The Health Options and Positive Energy Foundation, Inc. (HOPE DC) celebrates 22 years of bringing together the HIV+ community in Washington, DC and providing social services in the form of Monthly House Parties.

The Group originated in 1988 at Georgetown Hospital, when a group of HIV+ men met at the hospital for clinical trials to receive life-saving treatments. They decided to bind together for mutual moral support away from the hospital and began hosting private social events throughout the district.

In 1996, the informal group became a non-profit 501C3 organization called The HOPE Foundation. Over the years, the group has grown to over 900 individuals. Future events are promoted via word of mouth, with information shared about where each monthly event will be held.

The group is still active in 2010, as the need for moral and peer support for HIV+ attendees has not changed. Over the years, services and support offered have proven to be essential for the health and well-being of each social attendee. The focus of the group is primarily directed to single gay men with HIV in the Washington, DC area, but all are welcome.

At a private celebration on September 25th, HOPE DC will celebrate the 22 year anniversary of the very first social event in Arlington, Virginia.

"We celebrate the dramatic medical breakthroughs that have turned HIV into a manageable condition, but we are deeply aware of the social challenges of living well and responsibly with HIV.," explained Jim Garza, Vice-President of the HOPE Foundation. That is why, after more than 22 years, we are still here!

For more information, visit http://www.hopedc.org/events or call 202-466-5783