Archived Release: August 2005

Being Alive People with HIV/AIDS Action Coalition Locates New Site for HIV Service Center in Silver Lake Area: Site at 2640 Griffith Park Boulevard to Open by September 2005

Being Alive People with HIV/AIDS Action Coalition of Los Angeles will launch a range of social support services in the Silver Lake community at its new home, located at 2640 Griffith Park Boulevard, at the corner of Hyperion. After months of planning, including a Town Hall Meeting for residents of Silver Lake and the surrounding areas to discuss needs and community issues, Being Alive's newest site has been identified and will undergo minor improvements in the next two months in anticipation of a September grand opening.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, "We are extremely excited to have a second home in Silver Lake. This is a special opportunity to re-introduce our programs to one of the more under-served and disenfranchised communities in Los Angeles County. The space meets all of our basic requirements, including easy access, reasonable cost, and available space, all in an environment that feels more like a home than a traditional service center. This center will position Being Alive to better serve the LA area, particularly the eastern parts of the city, as an entry point into the HIV/AIDS care system for newly identified people most in need of services."

"Being Alive is pleased to have support from government funders, corporate contributors and major donors, including the LA County Office of AIDS Programs and Policy, Macy's Passport, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and Silver Lake businessman Michaeljohn Horne, owner of MJ's," adds Moshoyannis. "At this time we are asking the community to rally additional support by way of cash contributions and in-kind donations of goods that will help us open our office by the end of the summer. Requests include linoleum tile for the kitchen and bathroom floors, paint and painting supplies, home improvement materials, and office furnishings."

On Sunday August 21, Faultline sponsored its annual "Porn-A-Thon" lot party to help raise critically needed funds for the opening of the Being Alive Silver Lake office. Donations were accepted at the door to help in this important fundraising drive.

Being Alive is the people with HIV/AIDS action coalition of Los Angeles County. Being Alive provides a range of peer-based services by and for people living with HIV/AIDS including Peer Support (intake and orientation, counseling, comprehensive referrals and follow up), Education (monthly medical updates, treatment newsletter, website and speakers bureau), Wellness Center (weekly acupuncture and chiropractic clinics, yoga classes, massage and regular social events), Prevention (workshops, forums, and individualized counseling geared for the HIV positive person), and Advocacy (training and education as well as community organizing on issues affecting people with HIV/AIDS). Days and hours for these services in Silver Lake will be announced over the next two months in time for the grand opening.

For more information or to get involved in this project, contact us at 310.289.2551 or email us at info@beingalive.org. Information online is available here at our website www.beingalive.org.