Dear Friends,

There is no one way that people contract HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The population that lives with this disease is composed of individuals, as different and distinct as any other population. The one thing all people living with HIV/AIDS have in common is the overwhelming need for love and compassion, and the right to live with dignity in a community that is supportive, understanding, and responsible.

The Kitsap County AIDS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to assisting the most needy people who are living with HIV and AIDS by supplementing the existing network of public service organizations. Our goal is to provide practical and enlightened support to regional residents who are in need of financial, social, and emotional help.

We have recently learned that the State has cut all of our funding for our food delivery program as of January 1st. This is a big blow to the Foundation and its clients who so desperately need good nutrition for their medication regime to be most effective.  This years AIDS WALK KITSAP brought in 1/3 less in needed funds for next years programs, than last year’s walk.

During this summer (June thru Sept.) the food program supplied 419 bags of groceries and 1095 specially prepared frozen meals. To compensate the recent 50% cut in state funds for this program we supplemented 35 additional bags of groceries at the end of August. We are looking at ways to continue the number and quality of meals in the new year.

Our Client Services helped clients with bus fare, utilities, rent, medical co-pays, back to school supplies, food supplements, and other essentials goods such as shampoo, laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc. One client had been sleeping on the floor of their studio apartment and we were able to buy a bed for them.
Other services we provide include a monthly dinner and social event. Our Youth Program gives questioning youth a safe place to meet, socialize and feel good about themselves.

Events coming up:
November 29th – December 20th.  Christmas Giving Tree at St. Barnabas Church. Anyone can come and take a tag or two, buy the designated gift(s) and return them gift wrapped under the tree with the tag attached. They will be delivered a few days before Christmas to the clients of the Kitsap HIV AIDS Foundation.  Without our help most of these families would have next to nothing under the tree.

December 1st. World AIDS Day at the Norm Dicks Center at 5:00 p.m.

December 5th 2-5 p.m. “Stockings for a Cause” a silent auction of holiday creations at Judy’s Junk and Java 3656 NW Munson St Silverdale. Funds from this event will be used for holiday meals.

Many thanks to all of you who participated in AIDS WALK KITSAP, made individual financial and in-kind donations, and put in hundreds of volunteer hours.

Warmly,

Paul Holzman
President, KCHAF