Dollars go directly to helping those living with the effects of HIV.

The Indiana AIDS Walk benefits the Gregory R. Powers Direct Emergency Financial Assistance (DEFA) Fund. DEFA provides emergency financial assistance and direct care for those throughout Indiana impacted by HIV/AIDS.  More than 2,000 Hoosiers affected by HIV/AIDS receive DEFA dollars each year.

DEFA fills the gap where daily life can leave some behind. Rent, house payments, food, co-pays and transportation are just a few of the daily needs DEFA helps cover.  Keep in mind, the largest barriers to staying in care are housing and transportation insecurity. DEFA addresses those needs and then some. From there, your fundraising efforts help ensure continuous care.

Here are just a few real-life examples of your dollars at work:

• While facing a health crisis, a family fell behind on their mortgage payments. DEFA dollars allowed the parents and children to keep their home and avoid homelessness.

• Thanks to DEFA, dentures were provided to a man who had not had teeth for many years. In the words of his care coordinator, “The reaction to his teeth was priceless and he can’t stop smiling.”

• A woman needed to continue driving to work but couldn’t afford to pay the driver’s license permit fee. DEFA paid the fee which helped her keep her job.