Two AIDS Foundation of Chicago Websites Win Awards of Excellence/Merit From the Society for New Communications Research

CHICAGO – The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is pleased to announce that its website, Direct2Housing.org , is a recipient of a 2007 Award of Excellence in the Nonprofit division from the Society for New Communications Research.

SNCR also honored another AFC-sponsored website, www.LifeLube.blogspot.com, with an Award of Merit in the nonprofit blog category.

The Society honors innovative individuals, corporations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and media outlets that are pioneering the use of social media, ICT, mobile media, online communities, virtual worlds and collaborative technologies in the areas of media, marketing, public relations, advertising, entertainment, education, politics and social initiatives. The award winners were announced at the Society’s awards gala at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston, Mass on December 5 th, 2007.

The only database of its kind nationwide, Direct2housing.org helps connect low-income residents with supportive housing services in metropolitan Chicago. The website is designed to assist people with HIV/AIDS and other at-risk populations—including teen parents, domestic violence survivors, and people with developmental disabilities—who face a critical need for housing assistance. It was created to assist case managers, housing advocates, social workers and people in the metropolitan Chicago community, to locate housing resources and housing service providers. 

“We are thrilled by the recognition of our innovative work,” said Ric Martel, Housing Assistance Coordinator at AFC. “The more we can tap technology to connect the community to supportive housing services, the more effective we can be in executing our mission.”

Direct2Housing includes entries about housing programs that are generated and maintained directly by program administrators. This feature allows programs to keep their entries up-to-date and accurate.

At the website’s main page, users enter their preferences for housing, ranging from the type of services needed to the preferred service location. Then, the database provides listings on available housing programs matching the users’ identified needs. Participating agencies are also able to update their information in real time, helping browsers identify which program can currently accept new applicants and which cannot.

AFC encourages organizations serving at-risk populations, such as hospitals and corrections facilities, to use Direct2Housing in their discharge plans, rather than risk releasing people into homelessness.

Direct2Housing was developed by AFC with generous support from the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Chicago Continuum of Care, and the Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship program.  To learn more about HIV/AIDS-related activities and services in metro Chicago visit AFC’s community website at www.aidschicago.org/community.

“AFC’s program exemplifies the mission of this awards program: the successful and innovative use of new communications solutions and social media practices to enhance communications and relationships,” commented Mike Manuel, SNCR Best Practices committee chairman.

Launched by the Sexual Health Xchange and sponsored by AFC, www.LifeLube.blogspot.com promotes a healthy, holistic and integrated gay sexuality that goes beyond HIV and STDs to embrace body, mind, and soul. The blog strives to build connections between and among gay and bi men toward a healthier, nurturing, and more vibrant community.

• “As a partner in the national Sexual Health Xchange collaboration that launched the LifeLube blog last Valentine’s Day, we are delighted to be included among such stellar list of global media pioneers,” said Jim Pickett, AFC director of advocacy, who runs the blog. “We will continue to creatively engage gay and bisexual men across the globe around holistic health concerns and meet them where they are – in cyberspace , on www.LifeLube.blogspot.com !”

About the Society for New Communications Research

The Society for New Communications Research is a nonprofit global think tank dedicated to the advanced study of new communications tools, technologies and emerging modes of communication, and their effect on traditional media, professional communications, business and society. For more information, visit http://www.sncr.org or call (650) 331-0083.

About the AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Mission: The mission of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic.

History: Founded by community activists and physicians in 1985, AFC is a catalyst for local, national, and international action on HIV/AIDS. AFC collaborates with government and community partners to pursue comprehensive strategies against HIV/AIDS; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate policy and human rights to bring an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

For more information, please visit: www.aidschicago.org 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES:

Direct2Housing.org

Society for New Communications Research: www.sncr.org

Case studies, blogging and photos from awards event: NewComm Review: http://www.newcommreview.com

RSS FEED(S): http://sncr.org/?feed=rss2

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Tags:

AIDS Foundation of Chicago, SNCR, newcomm, New media, Social media

Additional Media Contact: Jen McClure, Executive Director, Society for New Communications Research; (650) 331-0083; jmcclure@sncr.org;Skype: jenmcclure; http://www.sncr.org 

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