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ODAAT is a program of
Urban Affairs Coalition
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Mel Wells, President, One Day At A Time
215-226-7860
Ajeenah Amir, Marketing Associate
215-226-7860 ext. 307
ajeenaha@odaat.us
North Philadelphia-based Community Organization
Serves Holiday Dinner for Local Residents
ODAAT Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for a Community
Affected by Homelessness, HIV/AIDS and Addiction
November 19, 2010 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - In current times of struggle and hardship, One Day at a Time (ODAAT) celebrates gratitude by hosting its 13th Annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner for men, women and families suffering from homelessness, HIV/AIDS and addiction in Philadelphia.
The dinner will take place at the AFCOM Center located at 2432 W. Lehigh Avenue on Thursday, November 25, 2010, from 11am until 2pm.
In spite of a tough year for families suffering from job losses and income decline, ODAAT is celebrating an abundance of goodwill and generosity by hosting a dinner for the residents of the city. Additionally, a changing statewide administration and ongoing budget cut backs for social services in Philadelphia emboldens ODAAT president Mel Wells to push harder in ensuring that ODAAT remains present in the community it serves.
“Many of the parents in our communities have put on a brave face for their families this year,” remarks Wells. “We are coming together to honor families that are suffering and to inspire a sense of hope as we enter the holiday season.”
An abundance of charity makes this dinner possible, as ODAAT hosts Thanksgiving dinner for the 13th year. A wide array of food is supplied by generous donations from individuals and organizations who share ODAAT’s mission. Volunteers from the Philadelphia Police Department help serve dinners to guests. Wells recognizes the irony of having police officers serve these individuals, as many have previously experienced a negative interaction with law enforcement.
“It’s a blessing to have the support and representation of the Philadelphia Police Department, as well as the District Attorney’s office, on Thanksgiving,” says Wells. “For at least one day, we all put aside our differences and come together in fellowship.”
ODAAT plans to feed 300 people at this year’s Thanksgiving Dinner. Special invited guests include the Honorable Mayor Michael Nutter, Governor Ed Rendell, District Attorney Seth Williams and former mayor of Philadelphia and current Temple University professor, John Street. All volunteers are welcome and will join invited officers and staff.
For more information, or to donate and/or volunteer, please visit www.odaat.us.
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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HIV Fact:
In 2010 the rate of new HIV infections among non-Hispanic blacks was 7 times the rate among whites. Hispanics saw a rate 3 times that of the white population. Whites accounted for 35% of estimated new HIV infections. Asians/Pacific Islanders accounted for roughly 2% and American Indians/Alaska Natives accounted for roughly 1%.
FREE!
Computer Classes!
Call or stop by ODAAT today!
(215) 226-7860
HIV Fact:
In the United States, men account for 73% of new infections. Philadelphia reports African American women are the fastest growing population.
The CDC estimates that one-quarter of HIV-infected people are unaware of their HIV infection and that these cases account for 54-70% of all new infections.
ODAAT is offering FREE computer classes to the public! Basic Windows, Microsoft Office and other topics! New classes offered monthly. Call or drop by to check our schedule. (215) 226-7860.
HIV Facts:
High-risk heterosexual contact accounted for 31% of estimated new HIV infections in the United States in 2010.
Philadelphia reported 55% in the same population.
HIV Facts:
The CDC recommends that everyone in the US aged 13-64, regardless of perceived risk, get tested for HIV to help stop the spread of the disease.
It also recommends that sexually active gay and bisexual men be tested for HIV at LEAST once a year.
HIV Facts:
The CDC estimates that African Americans are more severely and disproportionately affected by HIV than any other racial/ethnic group in the United States.
More infections occur among young people under 30 than any other age group. Persons 30-39 have the second highest infection rate.
HIV Fact:
Every 9 1/2 minutes another person becomes infected with the HIV virus in the United States.
ODAAT Fact:
Get Tested Every Wednesday 9am - 2pm
Results in 20 minutes!
Call today for more information! 215-226-7860
HIV Facts:
Each year, more than 45,000 people become newly infected with HIV in the United States.
HIV Facts:
Gay and bisexual men accounted for a significantly greater proportion of estimated new infections nation-wide in the United States in 2010 than any other risk group.
Philadelphia statistics however reported heterosexual's accounted for the largest population.
HIV Facts:
One in every two people living with HIV in the United States is Black. Philadelphia reports 67%of new infections are African Americans.
2010 CDC data indicates about half of the just over 1 million Americans living with HIVS or AIDS are black.
HIV Facts:
Injection drug use (IDU) accounted for 12% of estimated new HIV infections in the United States in 2010.
Philadelphia reported a slightly higher statistic of 13%.
