Activists Push AIDS Housing Plan

Many living with AIDS have already been evicted from their home because of the Ellis Act, which the AIDS Housing Alliance wants to see repealed. In five years there have been 1,000 Ellis Act evictions and 1800 AIDS deaths. Now, the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resource Emergency (CARE) Act will soon impose a time limit of 24 months that a person may receive help.

For Mark A. Overbay, who has been living with AIDS for 16 years, loosing government aid is unthinkable because he cannot physically work. Overbay's rent is $1150, of which $950 is covered through government assistance.

“I will have two years to worry,” said Overbay. “Excluding the costs of my medication and rent I live on $344 a month, I cannot afford to pay more for rent.”

The AIDS Housing Alliance wants San Francisco to restore cutbacks that have already been made and will be made to the CARE program. They want a comprehensive AIDS housing plan and the city to be accountable. And, they strongly want the Ellis Act repealed.

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