Grants and Programs

Our Current Programs Include

Needle Syringe Exchange Programs

Syringe exchange programs are one of the most effective and cost-effective interventions available for reducing the infection rates of HIV.  There have already been many federally funded studies demonstrating that such programs reduce HIV rates without increasing drug use or crime but a recent provision in the House would stop any program from occurring within 1000 feet of a school, recreation center, daycare center, playground or video arcade.  If this amendment passes, virtually every current program would be in jeopardy and the expansion of more programs would be near impossible.  This loss would be a huge blow to the fight against HIV/AIDS and must be stopped. 

The Palette Fund’s grant would enable David Holtgrave, Professor and Chair of the Department of Health, Behavior & Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to answer some very key policy questions on what would happen if the federal government does not approve the bill, helping to put a much larger emphasis on HIV prevention programs – a key component to Palette’s mission. Our hope is that David’s answers will present such a strong case against the 1000-foot ban making it impossible for the bill to pass.

Bailey House – The Rand Harlan Center for Housing, Wellness and Community

Bailey House provides housing and support services to homeless men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in New York City.

The Rand Harlan Center for Housing, Wellness and Community broke ground in East Harlem in 2008, to expand Bailey House’s services and to serve as a multi-service community center dedicated to housing, education, HIV prevention and care of people living with HIV/AIDS in one of the neighborhoods hardest hit by the epidemic. Bailey House’s work at The Rand Harlan Center will address fundamental human needs-housing, food, and safety. And they will deliver comprehensive and compassionate support services, including access to healthcare, counseling, support groups, and substance abuse treatment. Free from the pressure of basic survival, Bailey House clients begin to develop a sense of trust, community, and stability. Empowered by resources including education, job training and employment assistance, they can begin to craft a future of their own making.

This year’s annual Bailey House Auction and Party was a moving tribute to Rand. Rand admired Bailey House’s commitment to treat every client with dignity and humanity.

Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) – Meals & Nutrition Program

GMHC is a non-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. They provide prevention and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.

While supporting GMHC’s Meals and Nutrition Program, this grant will also enable them to create a “Pantry Cookbook” for their clients to take with them when utilizing the Food Pantry. By incorporating these initiatives, GMHC’s clients will be able to make more informed choices regarding their own health through greater education and nutritional options.

The Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit Series

For many years, Rand was an avid supporter of The Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit Series, and in 2009 The Palette Fund supported the fourth summit in partnership with National AIDS Housing Coalition, The John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Ontario HIV Treatment Network. The summit presents compelling research findings that demonstrate the critical significance of housing assistance as an effective and cost-saving health care intervention for homeless and unstably housed persons with HIV and other chronic health conditions.

The Palette Fund is a member and supporter of Funders Concerned About AIDS