SHARE THE WEALTH

For the third year, we suggest a few nonprofit groups for end-of-year gifts

by Tim Brookover

• The Assistance Fund

Luis (not his actual name) has lived with HIV since 1991. Last December, he took short-term medical disability to cope with some physical problems, including exhaustion and stress. Just before he was scheduled to return from the paid leave, his company—where he had encountered some AIDS-phobic attitudes—abruptly eliminated his position. At the same time, Luis’s health began a quick decline. At the moment he most needed his insurance, he was in danger of losing coverage. Luis and his partner immediately realized they could not afford the nearly $600 a month COBRA insurance payments.

In doing some research on resources, Luis’s stepmother learned about the Assistance Fund. She signed him up for the insurance-payment program, which will allow Luis to keep his private coverage until he qualifies for Medicare.

Luis’s condition remains precarious, but his T-cell count has increased. At least while he and his family cope with that reality, he will have health-care coverage—so critical in this health-care-is-not-a-right nation.

The Assistance Fund

713/529-4788

www.theassistancefund.org

• PAWS Houston

Many of us remember Pet Patrol, the incredible organization that once helped people living with HIV/AIDS care for their animal companions. Pet Patrol no longer exists, but PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) has assumed the critical role of helping low-income humans living with terminal illnesses who need assistance with their dogs and cats. Services include an animal food bank, subsidized veterinary care, volunteer pet care, grooming, and foster care and adoption when necessary. The PAWS humans are preparing for the January 24 Houston Dog Bowl, a canine extravaganza at the Houston Farm and Ranch Club that will include a pet parade and athletic events such as Field Goal Frisbee.

PAWS Houston

281/443-3360

www.pawshouston.org

• Positive Art Workshop

Ryan Fugate, director of the bimonthly classes for adults living with HIV/AIDS, knows that art has healing power. He reports that the individuals who have joined his program at the Houston GLBT Community Center enjoy both the art instruction and activities and the socializing and the lunch provided by the local chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women. In September, Fugate revived the respected workshop founded in 1991 by artist Patrick Palmer. A grant secured through New Covenant Christian Church, which worships at the center, helped restart the workshop, but support is always needed to buy art supplies. Fugate and the center are planning a February benefit to raise funds.

Positive Art Workshop

713/524-3818

www.houstonglbtcommunitycenter.org

• AVES (Amigo Volunteers in Education and Service)

Like many of the service groups in our community, AVES grew from the efforts of a small group of volunteers. Since 1989, this organization has provided HIV/AIDS education and social service for the Latino community. A study last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that Latinos saw the highest rate (26 percent) of new HIV infections reported among gay men since 1999. Once more we repeat: The AIDS crisis in not over—among Latinos, among gay men, in the world. The Rev. Ralph Lasher, former executive director of Montrose Clinic and member of the Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church pastoral staff, recently joined AVES as director of education and development.

AVES

713/626-2837

www.aves-health.org

• Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas

Earlier this year, the 28-year-old Austin-based advocacy group helped beat back a wave of proposed legislation hostile to the GLBT community. This included a measure to prevent gay men and lesbians from serving as foster and adoptive parents and an attempt to gut funding for HIV/AIDS medications for individuals on limited incomes. But don’t doubt that the fight to preserve and expand our rights will continue. The antigay forces are not finished. Led by Randall Ellis of Houston, the LGRL is our watchdog in the legislature. This New Year’s Eve, do some good: Travel to Austin for LGRL’s benefit, Masquerade Soiree, at the 1920’s Club.

Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas

512/474-5475

www.lgrl.org

SHARE THE WEALTH 2002:

• H.A.T.C.H. (Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals)

713/529-3590

www.hatchyouth.org

• People With AIDS Coalition-Houston

713/522-5428

www.pwach.org

• Donald R. Watkins Memorial Foundation

713/528-1748

www.josephgathe.com/drwmf

• Lesbian Health Initiative Houston

713/603-0023

www.lhihouston.org

• Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

713/524-3818

www.hlgff.org

SHARE THE WEALTH 2001:

• AssistHers

713/521-4628

www.assisthers.org

• Gulf Coast Archive & Museum of GLBT History

713/227-5973

www.gcam.org

• Friends of Tsungiriai

www.usafriends.org

• Q-Patrol

713/528-SAFE

• James Byrd Jr. Foundation for Racial Healing

888/656-6414

www.byrdfoundation.org

• Houston GLBT Community Center

713/524-3818

www.HoustonGLBTCenter.org

• PFLAG/H.A.T.C.H. Youth Scholarship Foundation

713/942-7002

www.pflaghouston.org

• Pride Committee of Houston

713/529-6979

www.pridehouston.org

• AIDS Housing Coalition of Houston, another Share the Wealth 2001 choice, has reorganized as the West Heights Shelter (502 W. 24th St., 713/864-1795).

• The 52nd St. House, the shelter established by Community Awareness for Transgender Support and a Share the Wealth 2001 choice, shuttered last year.

Tim Brookover is editor of OutSmart magazine.

If you have any comments about this article, please email them to letters@outsmartmagazine.com.