A Letter from the Executive Director
29.12.2011
December, 2011
It’s almost the new year! One of the things I love about this season is that it’s a time to celebrate messages of joy, hope, and renewal. That’s something we get to do at HIPS every day. I’m writing to share a recent success story and ask you to support HIPS life-saving work.
Recently, a caseworker at a large medical agency called for assistance. “I have a client. She’s missing all the appointments I’m setting up for her. She’s working the streets, still doing drugs. She’s just going to get AIDS and die; I just can’t work with her, maybe you can.” He later showed up on our doorstep, dropping off a very dejected, annoyed looking woman.
Unfortunately, this kind of reaction happens more than we like to admit. It shows the critical need in our community for HIPS and our work. It highlights the need for our non-traditional approach to working with the neediest and most marginalized people in our city – individuals that by choice, circumstance or coercion engage in sex work or drug use, many of whom often feel trapped, ignored or misunderstood by more traditional providers.
We learned “that client” was named Cleo. She felt too overwhelmed by her homelessness, drug dependency and need to make money to focus on making changes in her life. Within an hour of coming to HIPS, Cleo was smiling and enjoying our daily community lunch with the other clients. We got her some clean clothing from our clothing closet. We referred her to one of our collaborating partners where she is now being linked to safe and supportive housing. She made a short term plan to keep her upcoming appointments. As she was leaving for the day, Cleo said, “I’m so glad I came here – you guys really know what’s going on.”
HIPS works to provide hope for those that fall through the cracks in our system. We excel at it. Without HIPS, individuals like Cleo would simply return to the streets. They would be without the hope that things can be better. At HIPS we give that hope and more – we help people set and reach goals to improve their lives, step by step.
Our work goes beyond the impact to the individual. By connecting and helping people stay engaged in medical care HIPS reduces emergency room visits and costs. HIPS helps prevent new infections through the distribution of over 175,000 condoms a year. Our daily HIV prevention education groups in our offices reach up to 50 sex workers and drug users a week. We protect the community’s health by disposing of over 100,000 used syringes annually.
I’m asking you to help us continue to have this impact in 2012 and beyond. We need your donation, and we need it today. Like many organizations, HIPS is experiencing the realities of this fiscal climate. We’ve undergone significant cuts to both our foundation and public funds. We need the support of our community, donors like you who believe in our work, to keep us on the streets. We vow to honor your donation by working diligently and efficiently to deliver these services to as many needy people as possible. Please contribute today and join us spreading the message of hope.
There is still time to donate today and be eligible for a tax deduction! Donate securely on-line at http://www.razoo.com/story/Hips
Sincerely,
Cyndee Clay
Executive Director
