• Home
• About Us
  • Impact Stories
  • History
  • Staff
  • Board
• Our Programs
  • CareTeams
  • Shanti
  • Housing
• Volunteering
  • Forms
  • Volunteer Spotlight
  • Volunteer Photos
• Events
  • Past Events
• Donations
  • Why Donate?
  • Giving Options
  • Memorial or Tribute
  • Employee Giving
  • House
  • Wish List
  • Donate Time
  • Travel Plans
• Employment
• Contact
  • Your Story

30-Strong: 30 Years Fighting HIV/AIDS and Getting Stronger

December 1, 2011 is World AIDS Day - a show of collective support in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and a day of remembering those lost.  For 30 days in November, Rosehedge/Multifaith Works and a long list of organizations and local businesses will mark the 30th Anniversary of the first AIDS diagnosis with 30-Strong, a series of events culminating in the Stronger Together Breakfast on December 1st.  These events will increase awareness, fundraise, and inspire our community to continue the dialogue about HIV/AIDS.

In 1988, when Rosehedge/Multifaith Works and a large team of volunteers began serving those living with the disease, the programs - for lack of any alternative direction - focused on providing for the dying.  Creating housing for those displaced or unable to live independently, the team created a space for a marginalized population to dies with dignity.  They also created two emotional support programs: CareTeam and Shanti.  These volunteers practice nonjudgmental listening and compassionate care, affording clients the most crucial medicine: love.

Over the years, as drugs improved and the life expectancy rates of those infected with HIV/AIDS has increased, our programs have had to adjust.  In addition, our programs have developed to also empower those living with HIV/AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses to stabilize their housing and health, and to re-establish compassionate human connections.

With the support of about 30 area businesses, such as Rudy's Barbershops and Whole Foods, our programs are gearing up to reach more people than ever this World AIDS Day.  With events all over town, from a tea tasting at Unity on Union Bookstore (Nov. 15th at 4:30) to a Red Party at Purr Cocktail Lounge (Nov. 16th), there are multiple ways to participate.  On December 1st, we join area organizations Gay City Health Project, Seattle Counseling Service and Seattle Area Support Groups to present the Stronger Together Breakfast, featuring keynote speaker Paul Kawata, Executive Director of the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC).  The event will be emceed by actor, director and producer Amanda Bearse, best known for her role as wacky neighbor Marcy D'Arcy on Married... with Children.  For more information and to RSVP to the breakfast, please visit strongertogetherseattle.com.

We are raising awareness, fighting stigma and discrimination, and reminding the community that in the last 30 years we have made incredible progress in the fight agains AIDS.  However, the fight is far from over, so we are sending a message to Seattle that there is still a community of compassion fighting this disease and that none of us are alone.

For a full list of events and partners in the community, visit http://www.rosehedge.org/rosehedge-multifaith-works-events/.  All inquiries can be directed to CJ Lebert at cj@rosehedge.org.