Unplugging HIV

Unpluggin' HIV~empowering a positive life is an outreach specifically designed for low income or homeless individuals who are battling HIV or AIDS. This outreach was created on April 3, 2009 as part of my one year anniversary of being diagnosed HIV positive.


Through this outreach I am able to provide gently used or new clothes, shoes, hygiene items, meals as well as support for issues that surround HIV and AIDS such as referrals to support groups, case managers, mental health workers, medical services, friendship and peer support. The Bi-monthly the outreach supports 41 residents on Skid Row with a large scale outreach that provides peer support, friendship, meals and much more.


In the first year, Unpluggin' HIV has become very well received and respected by the people it seeks to serve. The outreach celebrated a milestone in April of 2010 by creating "Empowering A Positive Life" workshop designed for the residents on Skid Row.

Household supplies, hygiene items, gently used clothes, as well as HIV and AIDS support items and guest speakers are always welcomed and needed for this outreach. 


Panels The Living Quilt

Since being diagnosed HIV I've always wanted to raise awareness for people living with HIV and AIDS here in the United States. Knowing that many people with HIV and AIDS are afraid to speak about their illness and hearing people speak about all the guilt and shame that comes along with their disease and how they feel so alone, has always been something I wanted to try to change.


After thinking and thinking about it, I decided to put my thoughts and dream into action. I mentioned the idea to my best friends and they encouraged me to move forward. I then asked a friend if he would be interested in being part the project and he said yes.


"Panels" The Living Quilt is designed to encourage people living with HIV or AIDS to design a panel that will be a tribute to the 1.2 Americans living with HIV or AIDS in the United States. Each panel is made by someone who is living with HIV or AIDS in the United States and will bring new attention , compassion, raise awareness and foster dignity and respect for the 1.2 million Americans LIVING with HIV and AIDS.


Currently the quilt has 15 people from across the United States interested in making a panel and 8 people in California, Florida and Atlanta already working on panels for the quilt.


If you or someone you know is HIV positive or battling AIDS and would like to participate in this project, please contact me and I will email you the information packet.