Southern Arizona Aids Foundation

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: AIDS, Health, Human Service Organizations, Human Services, Public Health

Mission: To increase an awareness of the aids epidemic in southern arizona through education, as well as providing support for individuals with hiv/aids

Community Stories

3 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

kylejorgen Client Served

Rating: 1

12/22/2023

As an autistic person, my standards are high. Saaf has fallen short of my standards at every turn during the past 10+ years. I cannot tell you how incredibly terrible it was to be a saaf client, especially in the housing program. They violated tenant rights constantly. My main complaint was the staff entering my apartment with no notice. I left the program specifically for this reason but unfortunately had to rely on saaf to remain housed. When this happened, I was told that I could choose where I wanted to live. I had a list of 7 or 8 apartment complexes that would have gladly accepted saaf's housing subsidy but instead they forced me to move into a complex that I explicitly told them I was uncomfortable moving into. Yes, I had a list and saaf FORCED me to live in discomfort. While I was in that apartment, saaf decided to drop their support, mid-lease and mid-pandemic. They gave me three disparate reasons for doing so, which means they were lying through their teeth. The amount of stress this caused me was astronomical. I attempted suicide multiple times that following year. My case manager at the time encouraged me to file a grievance but I knew from past experience that saaf doesn't take them seriously or do anything about grievances. I found out from a different case manager that a member of upper management commonly referred to me as "the crazy fa**ot". When she notified his supervisor, they elected no to fire him because "they were understaffed." That last sentence really defines saaf's work culture. I honestsly cannot tell you how much I loathe this "organization." Turnover here is astounding. It was not uncommon to have a different case manager every five or six weeks. If you are autistic or neurodivergent, I will caution you to use this foundation's services as a very last resort. There are much better foundations worthy of donating your money to.

1

peterjmia2413 Client Served

Rating: 1

03/05/2023


I was referred to them for their anti-violence initiative Program and they decided to help me sign for my lease renewal as a guarantor and agreed to pay rent for the remainder of the year lease . In December I was notified by my counselor that the program was not receiving funding and that they would no longer be able to pay my rent when I tried to contact her she had quit without even saying goodbye to me or referring me to some other service
long story short they keep waffling on their ability to pay my rent they are violating the contract that they agreed to with my leasing manager and myself. I'm disabled the more recently have not that I have severe heart failure there are only 3 months left to my lease but they're not willing to go any further they're aware of the fact that I'm getting evicted and if they signed documentation assuring that they would pay the rent. I did not qualify to sign a lease and when they did so as a guarantor they also allowed the management to increase my rent from 701 to $1,035 my assigned counselor after my initial counselor quit refuses to talk to me and says there's nothing more she can do for me I continue to get counseling with a wonderful woman there every week but she has no say over what they do with other services. They have no regard for my wellness and the stress this is causing me . Everybody that I've come in contact with there has been condescending
I'm seeking legal help because this is basically a breach of contract that will have disastrous effects on my credit rating and my ability to get housing going forward so did they really help me no they made things worse.
contacted the state attorney's office and filed a complaint.
Sincerely J P Jensen

Review from Guidestar

6

Craig_in_Tucson Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/16/2009

SAAF - Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation - is a provider of HIV/AIDS prevention information to the public and client services to patients. It is a highly effective organization that Tucson is blessed to have. The second HIV/AIDS organization - TIHAN - is faith-based and the two work hand in glove. Most of our clients and volunteers in one organization inevitably are part of the other, too. SAAF puts on two annual fundraisers: Jello Wrestling and Moda Provacateur, that are usually sold out as soon as the tickets go on sale. Jello Wrestling is a combination drag show and jellow wrestling match. It's hilarious, and everyone loves the show. Moda is a fashion show that is full of great music and talented volunteer performers and stage crews. We also stage the local AIDSWalk. SAAF volunteers give out prevention information anywhere we're welcome. Our clients depend on us for housing, moral support, counseling, life giving meals, and a host of other vital functions.

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