BEHIV celebrates 20

Donors and other supporters of Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV), an HIV/AIDS support services organization, gathered in the Rogers Park neighborhood July 31 to celebrate the group’s more than 20 years of service to Chicagoans living with HIV and AIDS. The gathering, which took place at the home of one of the organization’s longtime supporters, was billed as a thank-you to those who have backed the group over the years.

Eric Nelson, BEHIV’s executive director, told Windy City Times that, despite the bleak economic outlook and a dearth of funding for the group from the state, his organization is pressing ahead with plans to assist as many people living with HIV/AIDS has the group possibly can. “We’ve added three new housing units for HIV patients,” Nelson said, adding, “There are more people who have needed help than ever before.”

BEHIV, founded by community volunteers in 1989, provides case management, housing, prevention, testing, mental health counseling, massage therapy and art therapy services to those living with HIV/AIDS.