As I reach out to you at this time, I want you to know that all of us at PCAF share a deep care for you and your loved ones. You are in our minds and hearts. We find ourselves in uncertain times, yet one thing is certain, we are a community that will come together to support each other now, as we have in the past. 

While this pandemic is new, many of us have been through similar experiences and emotions as we watched loved ones die in the early days of the AIDS crisis. Despite the fear and great losses many of us experienced, we survived and built an enduring community to help us weather times of unspeakable loss. We acknowledge this virus and the current circumstances are not the same, still, our roots will keep us strong as we face the unknown. We will get through this, together. 

Even with this history of courage, compassion and resilience, we know the impact of COVID-19 on those we serve will be significant and long-term. Each of us—no matter our race, economic status, immigration status, gender, age, or ability—will feel the impact in our own way. Yet, there is no denying that crisis situations amplify the systemic racism that is deeply rooted in our society: structures, processes, and practices that get in the way of equitable security and opportunity for all.  

Now more than ever, we are committed to being here for our clients and providing the best possible continuity of services. While our programs may look different now, the outcomes and impact remain the same—to prevent the spread of HIV, to provide resources for people living with HIV to meet their needs for food, housing, healthcare and personal support, and to combat stigma and discrimination. We have changed our strategies but not our goals. 

We are committed to providing critical services and support and to assure our clients that they are not alone during this time. If you can help, I hope you will.

Thank you for being part of the PCAF family. You make it possible for us to do this work. 

In solidarity,

Erick Seelbach
Executive Director