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Compiled by GayToday
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San Francisco, California-- Facing a $2.5 million budget gap in its coming fiscal year, which begins July 1, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation today announced staff layoffs at all levels of the organization and other cuts necessary to close the budget shortfall.
The Foundation now projects a total budget of $20.7 million for the new fiscal year. As has been the case for many non-profits, SFAF experienced a drop in virtually all its revenue streams as a result of the downturn in the economy and the post 9/11 environment. The Foundation's need to create a new cycling event and the short-term drop in revenue inherent in a first-year event was also a factor. |
 Riders in the San Francisco AIDS Foundation's Los Angeles to San Francisco AIDS Life Cycle ride |
"The individuals being laid off are stellar employees, dedicated people whose work has made a crucial difference in the lives of those affected by HIV," said Pat Christen, executive director of the AIDS Foundation. "We are tremendously saddened by the need to implement these cutbacks."
In bridging the shortfall, the protection of client services was prioritized. SFAF will continue to provide current core client services, including client advocacy, financial benefits counseling, needle exchange, treatment information and support, the AIDS Hotline, and Black Brothers Esteem and Gay Life activities. However, the agency's capacity to provide these services and the volume of services provided will be reduced. Clients may experience increased waiting time and less one-on-one time with staff. No clients will lose housing as a result of these changes.
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"Our priority has been protecting essential client services and restructuring the agency so as to make the most leveraged use of our community level and public policy efforts," added Christen. "We want to assure that our ability to serve those that rely on our programs is protected for the long run."
Twenty-eight employees will be laid off, including three members of the agency's senior management team. All remaining members of the agency's senior management will take a 10% pay cut and the agency's executive director will take a 12% pay cut.
Aside from these reductions, all salaries at the Foundation will be frozen for the duration of the coming fiscal year. Staff layoffs will be completed by June 30, although for transition purposes some staff will continue working a few months into the new fiscal year.
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Related Sites:
San Francisco AIDS Foundation
AIDS Life Cycle: LA to SF
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