Funding Restored for New York Center for Gay Youths

NEW YORK: "Funding Restored for New York Center for Gay Youths"
Associated Press (12.06.08):: Marcus Franklin

A body of AIDS service providers and government officials recently voted to restore funding to a Manhattan drop-in center for homeless gay youth at risk for HIV.

In September, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene informed the Ali Forney Center that it would not renew $600,000 in annual funding for the facility. City officials, trying to shore up a multibillion-dollar budget deficit, said the funds would be better spent on HIV/AIDS housing.

"Difficult choices have to be made in these tough times," the department's Dr. Monica Sweeney said of the decision to reallocate the money. "No one or any program or any sector is going to be spared during the meltdown."

But the cut prompted an outcry from politicians including US Rep. Jerrold Nadler and state Sen. Tom Duane. So far this year, Ali Forney has tested more than 200 young people ages 16-24; connected more than 50 HIV-positive youth to medical and housing services; and served over 10,000 meals, said Carl Siciliano, the center's executive director.

"These kids are grossly underserved in this city," said Siciliano. "Their existence is a struggle for survival. We are the best ally and support they have. To have taken that away from them would have been cruel and reckless."

The center's funding will come from federal Ryan White grants.

The health department also recently cut $200,000 in funding for a program offering time-sensitive HIV treatment to people who have been potentially exposed to the virus, operated out of St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan.