Team Chicago House Steps Up
Each year, the AIDS Run/Walk (ARW), organized by our friends at AIDS Foundation of Chicago, brings together thousands of people committed to ending the HIV epidemic. At a time when awareness cannot be taken for granted, the event is an important reminder of what can happen when a community works collaboratively around a shared purpose. For Team Chicago House, it is an opportunity to put our organizational values into action while connecting the individuals and families we serve to critical resources through our Client Emergency Fund.
“The Client Fund has been essential in connecting clients to services and resources that are often neglected by formal funding streams,” said Brant Hewelt, Program Manager. “Prior to the Client Fund, clients were at the mercy of emergency funds that required many rigorous steps, and/or had such lengthy determination timeframes that they were ineffective in addressing client needs.”
For Tom Hunter, Manager of Case Management, the impact of the fund is clear in the everyday barriers it helps address.
“I have been able to buy all kinds of things that clients need quickly or could not through other programs or sources,” Tom said. “This includes Uber rides, 30-day Ventra passes so clients can get to a new job, clothing for a new job or school, Jewel cards for food, Target cards for a variety of household items, ID's, birth certificates, phone bills, and other utility bills. It has been a lifesaver for clients who are struggling and just don't have any money to pay for things they need.”
ARW is about more than raising funds. It is a chance to celebrate the community of partners, volunteers, donors, and advocates whose commitment helps make our work possible.
“I started at Chicago House in the summer of 2024 and every year since I have increased my participation in the AIDS Run/Walk,” said Makhaila Anderson, Medical Case Manager. “We are once again in a period of time where LGBTQIA and healthcare rights are being rolled back; this community needs support now! Everyone should be able to live a full life and know they are not alone in what troubles life may bring.”
That urgency is felt by participants and supporters alike, including Development Coordinator and Team Chicago House Captain Veia Kurman, who sees the AIDS Run/Walk as an opportunity to turn that commitment into action.
“In addition to providing support and stability for our clients through fundraising, the AIDS Run/Walk is an opportunity to openly stand in support and solidarity with others in our community,” said Veia. “Participating in the Run/Walk shows that we not only care about others, but that we are willing to do something about it by putting our values in action and, literally, walking the walk.”
Team Chicago House continues moving with purpose, carrying forward the belief that no one should face HIV, or the challenges that come with it, alone.