PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — HIV may not be on the minds of many as it once was, but over 18,000 people in Philadelphia are currently living with the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 18% of those living with HIV also report an unstable housing situation or are homeless, 42% have a disability and 33% live below the poverty line.
The AIDS Walk Philly was created 38 years ago to continue addressing those statistics and raise money to support those most vulnerable living with HIV or AIDS.
Behind the benefit walk is AIDS Fund, which has an emergency grant program to help those in need. Executive Director Robb Reichard said 13% of Philadelphians living with HIV are unhoused.
“We’re a fund of last resort when people fall behind on their rent or utilities or about to be evicted because of that,” he said. “We can step in with a microgrant.”
Reichard said the microgrants average around $440, and the organization has also provided beds, food, walking canes, hearing aids, and more to those in need. But, he said holes still exist in getting people into care and keeping them there.
“That’s why the AIDS Walk is so important because we help keep people in care,” said Reichard.
The 5K walk starts at 8 a.m. on Oct. 20 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. To sign up, visit aidswalkphilly.org.