Caring for our Community
HIV and AIDS continue to disproportionately affect LGBTQ communities, particularly Black and Latino young men and transgender women. For many members of our community, racism, transphobia, homophobia, and other systemic issues result in poverty, homelessness, and increased engagement in criminalized economies in order to survive. This in turn leads to increased exposure to HIV.
The Amida Care Fund at Stonewall Community Foundation works to address the epidemic by funding programs and projects that reach members of our community most impacted by HIV and people who are HIV-positive but not receiving necessary care. In addition to testing and safer sex supplies, these organizations provide vital resources and holistic services for their clients. Each of this year’s Amida Care grant recipients will receive a one-year grant of $5,000.
We are proud to announce the six winners of this year’s Amida Care Fund grants:
Colectivo Intercultural TRANSgrediendo (CITG) works for the trans Latinx community to to have full access to culturally relevant health and human services. CITG will use funding to raise awareness among trans Latina sex workers about HIV transmission and the importance of knowing their HIV status, connect their members to testing resources, and empower them to access PrEP and PEP without fear.
Out My Closet (OMC) diminishes the stigma of seeking help by drawing youth in with free “shopping” experiences. OMC provides clothing, shoes, and accessories completely free of charge. Volunteers offer free HIV testing as youth are engaged in finding clothing. Out My Closet will use funding to support their operations.
Pride Center of Staten Island (PCSI) enhances and sustains the well-being of LGBTQ people on the island by providing programs and services that cultivate community and provide social support. PCSI will use funding to support their HIV Prevention program, which works to prevent new infections and connect HIV positive individuals to care.
Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP)’s Transgender Health Initiative provides direct legal services; engages in policy work to reduce discrimination based on gender identity and expression; and educates healthcare providers, benefits administrators, and community members on the needs of low-income trans people and trans people of color. SRLP will use funding to continue their work representing clients in insurance plan appeals and educating service providers.
Translatinx Network works to improve the lives of translatinx New Yorkers through peer-led advocacy, education, and social support. Translatinx will use funding to provide gender-affirming clothing, hygiene kits, and medical care for their members.
Trinity Place Shelter, recognizing the power of housing and stability as harm reduction,provides intervention services for homeless LGBTQ youth, including beds, Metrocards, meals, computer access, on-site counseling and case management, and wellness education. Trinity Place will use funding to support services for their residents.