ACOS Harm Reduction Campaign Makes National News 

Here at ACOS we are moving forward with our harm reduction campaign. RIPTA bus stops through out Rhode Island provide those in need of help with a resource to contact. Soon enough, our new sharp collection boxes will be located throughout the city as well as vending machines with clean needle supplies.

AIDS Care Ocean State is nationally recognized for our outstanding efforts in battling the nationwide drug crisis.  Our harm reduction model helps those struggling with addiction to live their best life and get the help they need, and stops the spread of HIV and hepatitis.  Harm reduction works!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af4wVhRnsNg


 

  IT'S TOY DRIVE TIME! MERRY, MERRY AT ACOS

It's that time of year again!! Stephen Hogan's Annual TEDDY BEAR BALL TOY DRIVE is Friday, December 3rd starting at 10pm at The Providence Eagle located at 124 Snow Street in Providence, RI. Now in it's 11th year, this festive event helps to raise money and collect toys, gifts & gift cards for Rhode Island children and teenagers who are born with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Please arrive with a gift card or new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl ages 10-16 years old. Retain tags. It would be most appreciated if folks could please donate a little more for something that this forgotten age group would like as a gift. 

Free admission with an unwrapped toy or Gift Card or $5 cover. 21+ 50/50 raffle, prizes, Hot Shot Muscle Bears and much more! This is a night not to be missed and surely talked about all season long!!

The Toy Drive will start on Tuesday, November 30th and will continue until Monday, December 20th and toys can be donated any time between these dates at The Providence Eagle during normal business hours. 

If you are not in the area or you are not able to drop off your donation on Friday, 12/03, but still want to contribute you can donate right here:

https://gofund.me/294d7994

 online anytime from now until Monday, December 20th at 11:59pm. 

Please help to put a smile on a child's face this holiday season and spread some Holiday Cheer with this fun and merry event!!!!

 

 

MIRABAR AND CHARLIE MCGRAW TO HOST TOY DRIVES

Here at ACOS, toy drives are a holiday tradition allowing us to share some holiday cheer with the children of ACOS whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS. 

Charlie McGraw and Sport Legends Bar & Pub have been extremely generous to us for the past 12 years and this year will be no exception. Join us at 2121 West Shore Road in Warwick on Wednesday, December 8th for an evening of giving and holiday cheer. Holiday entertainment, live DJ and buffet are just some of the highlights of the evening. This year's toy drive will be held in memory of Michele Forcier, longtime bartender at Sport Legends and friend of ACOS.

Then on Sunday, December 12th join us at Mirabar for their annual toy drive and Christmas party. Danny Arico will be providing the evening's entertainment. Anyone who donates an unwrapped toy or gift card will be entered into a prize filled raffle. We have it on good authority that Santa himself will also be making an appearance!

ADOPT-A-FAMILY IN FULL EFFECT THIS HOLIDAY  SEASON

Our annual Adopt A Family kicks off this Thanksgiving week. For only $50, you can help ensure that a family here at AIDS Care Ocean State is taken care of this holiday season. It's the support of individuals like your self and the support of local businesses and organizations that allows ACOS to provide quality housing, case management, medical & nursing care to over 500 adults, families, adolescents and children who are affected by or at risk for HIV infection. Our outreach, education and prevention efforts reach thousands more every year. To adopt a family or for information, please email stephenh@aidscareos.org or call 401-521-3603. Make a difference in a family's life this holiday season.

 

ACOS' Amazon Wish List Makes It's Annual Debut 

 
The 2021 ACOS Amazon wish list is ready for all you Santas out there! With your help and generosity, we are able to give the children of AIDS Care Ocean State the merry Christmas they deserve. This is especially helpful for our older children who are often forgotten at this time of year. Our case managers compile this list directly from our children's requests. Imagine the thrill of waking up on Christmas day to find exactly what you wished for under the tree. You can be a part of the magic of the holiday season. Click the link below and join in the fun!
 

FAIR HOUSING IS EVERYONE'S RIGHT

Every year the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recognizes Fair Housing Month in April.  If you or someone you know is experiencing housing discrimination because of HIV/AIDS or another protected characteristic, you can file a complaint online<https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_discrimination> or contact HUD by phone:
1-800-669-9777 (English/Español)
1-800-877-8339 (Fed Relay)

You may also contact the nearest HUD office<https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/contact_fheo>. You have one year after the alleged discrimination occurred or ended to file a Fair Housing Act complaint<https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_discrimination> with HUD and generally 180 days to file a Section 504 complaint<https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/disabilities/sect504complaint>, but you should file it as soon as possible. More information on fair housing rights can be found in the Fair Housing Act<https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp> and on HUD's webpage for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.<https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp>