Harmony Home's shelter for children affected by HIV/AIDS comprises 65 beds in a four story apartment. At the moment, 44 beds are occupied, including more than 30 boys and girls. One resident is four weeks old. Most are between three and 12 years old. One boy is 15, another is 17. A few are fortunate to have their mothers live with them. These young, single mothers are often recovering drug addicts who work part-time at the shelter.
How to help after the fold.
In summer of 2007, Harmony received considerable publicity when it won, with the support of Taiwan ministries, a supreme court case affirming their right to live in the home despite opposition from their neighbors. The suit prompted Nicole Yang, Harmony's secretary general who founded the charity 22 years ago, to launch a campaign to educate the general public about HIV/AIDS. The results, she said, have been noteworthy, particularly among upper school and college students, and she intends to continue these efforts.
Harmony Home Association is a registered, non-profit organization that also shelters more than 60 seniors in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Pingtung. All would otherwise be homeless and are either HIV positive or have AIDS. The program offers long-term and short-term care, including services for patients undergoing methadone treatment. Many can no longer care for themselves. Harmony's patients receive the same generous health care benefits provided all Taiwan citizens.
The charity employs 35, including four nurses, two social workers, a public relations professional and Ms. Yang. Most of the employees are residents working part time.
According to Ms. Yang, the charity's expenses in Taiwan come to about $2 million NT every month, or about $60,000 USD. Chief expenses include salaries, food and utilities. While Harmony has received grants from foundations and businesses, the greatest share of fundraising comes from individual donations, Ms. Yang said.
Kim Jung Wong is a Catholic lay missionary from Korea who is six months into a three-year mission at Harmony Home. When asked why he chose to come to Taiwan, he replied "Because I want to help."
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