November 9, 2007

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!

The Dominican Republic was ravaged by Noel

Of all the countries it affected, Tropical Storm Noel hit the Dominican Republic and Haiti the hardest. In the Dominican Republic, Noel caused more than 82 deaths and left more than 67,000 people without homes. In Haiti, at least 64 people were reported dead, and thousands are homeless. From now until World AIDS Day on December 1, Housing Works and AID for AIDS will be collecting essential items to send to Haitians and Dominicans living with HIV/AIDS.

"People with HIV/AIDS in the Dominican Republic and Haiti are among the most marginalized in both countries," said Housing Works President and CEO Charles King. "They are in areas that are missed by other relief efforts, so it is crucial they receive the essential goods they need."

Donations, including first aid kits, clothing and canned goods (click on "Read the Rest" to see full list) will be accepted at all Housing Works locations, as well as at the Housing Works' World AIDS Day Vigil at City Hall park for the 24-hour "reading of names" on December 1. If your organization would like to be a drop-off point for donations, e-mail terri smith-caronia at
smith-caronia@housingworks.org. If you would like to financially contribute to the effort you can donate to Housing Works here or AIDS for AIDS here and specify the money is for the "Noel AIDS Relief."

In Haiti and the Dominican Republic combined there are more than 250,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. Haiti has the highest HIV rate in the Western Hemisphere. A shocking 3.8 percent of Haitians between the age of 15 and 49 have HIV, and in 2006 alone 17,000 Haitians died due to AIDS-related causes. In the Dominican Republic 1.1 percent of 15 to 49 year olds have HIV. In 2006, 6,700 people died of AIDS-related causes.

To help, here's the list of items you can donate:

Toiletries

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Disposable Razors
• Combs
• Chlorine Tablets
• Toilet Paper
• Handi-Wipes

Over-the-counter meds

• Tylenol
• Alcohol wipes
• Bethazine
• Band-aids
• Dressings
• Aspirin
• Mosquito repellant
• Pedialyte

Flashlights and batteries (usually take double D)

Mosquito nets

Clothing

• Men's and women's undershirts (NEW)
• Men's and women's underwear (NEW)
• Sandals
• Cloth diapers and safety pins

Food

• Canned meat
• Rice

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