ODAAT Declares “State of Emergency” for Philadelphia AIDS Fight

17th Annual Candlelight Vigil Honors Victims of HIV/AIDS, Solidifies Organization’s Commitment to Battle the Epidemic

July 1, 2010 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - Surviving a year of funding challenges, the internationally renowned recovery program, One Day at a Time (ODAAT), is excited to host their 17th Annual Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, July 1, 2010. 

While rallying the call for increased public support of HIV/AIDS prevention, addiction treatment resources, aide for homeless populations and other social services in Philadelphia, the vigil will also allow program staff, clients and members of the community to remember and honor loved ones and friends lost to HIV/AIDS.

“We are honored to return to our community to host the Candlelight Vigil,” says Rev. Henry T. Wells, founder of ODAAT.  “Even in the face of obstacles and setbacks, we are fired up and determined to continue our work. I feel truly blessed to be able to welcome our friends and family back to fellowship with us for the 17th year.”

Special invited guests include the State Sen. Shirley Kitchen, 3rd District Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, and State Representatives Vanessa Brown and Jewell Williams.  ODAAT staff and clients will be on hand providing free refreshments and giveaways.  Local singers and artists will provide entertainment.  The free event kicks off at 6pm, Thursday, July 1, 2010, at the AFCOM Center, 2432 W. Lehigh Avenue.

The return of the Candlelight Vigil this year is particularly significant to the leadership of ODAAT, as budget cuts prevented the organization from hosting the event in 2009. Although funding was not restored this year, members of the community have rallied together to provide free services and equipment to make the event happen.

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The theme, “A State of Emergency,” sheds light on the alarmingly high rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the north central section of Philadelphia where ODAAT primarily operates its service delivery.  The theme was inspired by PA state Rep. Jewell Williams, a long-time supporter and partner of ODAAT, who issued a public call to action this May in response to staggering statistics that Philadelphia’s HIV rates are five times the national average, and that the rate of infection surpasses New York City’s.

This year’s vigil reflects a resurgence of hope and renewed energy for ODAAT, as it further strengthens a proud legacy and strives towards a brighter future for the community it serves.

“As HIV/AIDS ravages our community while funding for prevention and care is slashed, it is important that we continue to host events like the Candlelight Vigil to raise awareness about the continued prevalence of HIV and to honor those who have lost the fight against this disease,” says Mel Wells, president of ODAAT.  “We are proud of the community that has united to fight this epidemic and urge our legislators and funders to continue to support these efforts.”

ODAAT provides services to low-income and homeless men and women suffering from addiction and HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia. ODAAT was founded in 1983 by Reverend Henry T. Wells when he opened his home to a group of recovering addicts, laying the groundwork for a peer-based/community-based recovery program. Since then, ODAAT has increased its scope and impact to include transitional housing facilities, comprehensive medical case management services, and services to address the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the addicted community. ODAAT is a program of Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition.

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