Care in the Community - No one left behind!

The ALLIANCE For Living (AFL), based in New London, who provide services for people living with HIV, persons experiencing homelessness or with substance use disorder, are open for business and making sure ALL vulnerable members of the community are getting the services and support they need during the continuing Coronavirus pandemic. AFL is used to responding within a pandemic as they have since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, the homelessness crisis and the overdose epidemic.

Kelly Thompson is the CEO of The ALLIANCE For Living, “We know that people who are homeless or who are living with HIV or have a substance use disorder are being left behind or finding it difficult to get services during this time. That’s not the case here in New London. Alliance For Living was set up to provide client-based harm reduction services and on the basis that people who need help cannot always come to an office or center for assistance"

The ALLIANCE For Living provides many services and programs for vulnerable members of the community and their ‘Cares Navigators’ are on the frontline everyday to make sure they reach those in need and provide therapeutic and emotional support during difficult times.

Carol Jones is Director of Harm Reduction at ALLIANCE For Living“ Our Cares Navigators are providing a point of entry to much needed services such as food access also to drug user health services like sterile syringes and low to no barrier access to medication based treatment and telehealth services. We provide safe and non-judgmental advocacy and assist individuals with basic needs during this stressful time. We’re also employing all necessary social distancing measures and utilizing technology like smartphones and video conferencing such as Zoom to stay in touch with people.”

AFL even has a ‘walk-through’ service at their Syringe Service Program building on Mondays and Thursday from 10am to 2pm, where community members can come in and exchange syringes with a member of staff.

They also have a delivery service available, Wednesday and Friday’s, for those who are unable to come to the AFL offices or have mobility issues.

“We’re also feeding people and delivering food to them as well,” says Kelly, “Our Food Pantry has never been more important than now, making sure people eat well and on a regular basis. And we’re so grateful to local businesses, who continue to support our food pantry with generous donations, despite being impacted themselves by closures and shutdowns. The support is overwhelming and shows how much people care.”

The Food Pantry is providing curbside pick-up at the AFL’s offices at 154 Broad Street, New London or delivery of food can also be arranged.

For full details about the services and resources of the ALLIANCE For Living, visit their website at - https://www.allianceforliving.org/