The following is a short list of suggestions for how to be of service to people affected by HIV and AIDS in your community. Where possible, seek to build relationships and work cooperatively with
social ministry organizations in your community.
Build RelationshipsBuilding ongoing relationships of trust and support between individuals who are HIV-positive and those who are not. Due to isolation that results from discrimination and stigma, many individuals living with HIV and AIDS are lonely and would welcome visits, phone calls, outings, and shared meals.
Prayer
Praying with and for people living with HIV and those who support them in worship and through prayer groups or prayer shawl and quilt ministries that support
HIV-positive individuals in nursing facilities or hospitals.
Click here to find prayer resources focused on HIV and AIDS.
Worship
Organizing healing worship services, in partnership with local AIDS service organizations, for those living with HIV.
Support Groups
Starting an HIV and AIDS support group, utilizing where necessary outside experts who are HIV-positive to train congregational members in appropriate activities and support. Such activities could include providing transportation to the doctor or the grocery store for individuals living with HIV whose illness
makes those tasks difficult.
Healthy Food
Collecting and distributing food, especially fresh fruits, vegetables, and high protein foods that are particularly needed by individuals living with HIV. A congregation could give this food to an agency that provides food to individuals living with HIV and AIDS or volunteer with an organization to help prepare hot meals, especially on weekends when such assistance is particularly needed.
Financial Assistance
Raise funds in your congregation to support HIV and AIDS-related ministry. (Send checks to ELCA World Hunger, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694. Please note "HIV and AIDS" on the memo line of your check.) A congregation could also let it be known within the local HIV and AIDS community if the congregation has hardship assistance funds available for individuals who need to purchase medicine or supplies and food.
Raise Awareness
Participate in national and international efforts to make more people aware of the impact of HIV and AIDS around the world, and how people can take action to make a difference. Get involved with a group or campaign such as Lutheran AIDS Network, Balm in Gilead, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, World AIDS Day, National HIV Testing Day or an HIV and AIDS organization in your local community.
Encourage HIV Testing
Stigma and discrimination against individuals affected by and living with HIV and AIDS continues to be one of the most significant forces that undermines progress on HIV prevention, treatment, and care throughout the world. Congregations can organize HIV screenings that are open to the public and encourage the whole congregation to participate. When the whole community participates, the stigma associated with being tested for HIV is reduced.