Twenty-two HIV/AIDS patients living in a halfway house at an apartment complex in Wenshan District, Taipei, faced a deadline of Monday, July 11, to relocate after a protest by community members. Residents and volunteers at Midway Home, built by the Harmony Home Association, expressed a strong desire to remain in the community.

"HIV can only be contracted through intercourse, blood transfusions, and breast milk," said Nicole Yang, secretary-general of the association. "People will not be at risk of contracting HIV by having an AIDS patient living next door. We hope that the public can show some love to AIDS patients and HIV-positive people, and allow them to rebuild their lives in the community residence."

Originally in Taipei's Sanchong District, Midway Home relocated in June after its landlord decided not to renew the lease, having discovered residents had HIV/AIDS. Six children with AIDS and 16 adults with HIV/AIDS live at the home.

Yang said local police alerted township officials about their new neighbors, and community members issued a statement expressing opposition during a township meeting on July 1. "Many of the AIDS patients are drug addicts or gay people," the statement said. "We refuse to live under the fear that one day one of those people may stab other residents with a needle or have a bad influence on our children."

On average, according to Yang, one out of four AIDS patients face discrimination from their families and friends. Midway Home may be their only refuge.

As a gesture of goodwill, the association promised to ensure a sanitary environment, to provide AIDS-related education, and to maintain the neighborhood's moral standards. But if community members insist on relocation, Midway Home will have to find a new site on its own, since the government has provided no assistance.

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