Texas: Local AIDS Foundation Runs Out of Money for the Moment

The Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation is out of money as the result of a contract dispute that forced it to go without its main source of funding for three months. In September, Bexar County Housing and Human Services agreed to disburse funds of at least $500,000 annually to the foundation. However, a clause in the contract discussing liability is still in dispute, holding up the money. "We as an agency have to additionally list them as insured, which is an extra $8,500. It was something that wasn't budgeted for," said Racheka Hook, foundation executive director.

Prior to September, the money was disbursed directly from the Texas Department of Health HIV/STD resources department. Bexar County now handles disbursement for Corpus Christi, Uvalde and Victoria. The Texas Department of Health held an emergency meeting in Austin on Friday to discuss sending funds directly to the foundation, which serves more than 400 Corpus Christi people with HIV/AIDS.

Hook said the agency is owed more than $240,000 in back funding, but hopes to get at least $75,000 to continue operation through the holidays. Bexar County Commissioners Court should meet this week to clear up the discrepancy and release all of the funds, Hook said. If no money is sent to CBAF in the next several days, it will have to stop services until it receives state funds, he said. Meanwhile, Hook's staff has agreed to work for reduced pay, so clients can still receive medical care and home assistance during the holidays.

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