The nonprofit sector's response to the AIDS epidemic: community-based services in San Francisco

Community-based organizations in San Francisco have played a key role in providing social support services and public health information to those affected by acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). These services have helped minimize the economic impact of the epidemic by reducing the level and expense of hospitalization of AIDS patients. During fiscal year 1984-85, the three largest community-based groups in San Francisco provided more than 80,000 hours of social support and counseling services, responded to over 30,000 telephone inquiries and letters, and distributed nearly 250,000 pieces of literature. Home-based hospice care was provided to 165 AIDS patients at an average cost per day of $94 per patient. Community-based organizations require a significant level of funding from government and private sources. Local government in San Francisco has provided 62 per cent of the revenues for these groups. At the same time, they are not viable without a steady stream of volunteer labor. More than 130,000 hours were donated this past year. There are intrinsic limits to the current dependency on unpaid labor and contributions made by private charity and local government which will eventually require increased support and intervention at the state and federal levels.