New York, NY - Following the devastating January 12th earthquake in Haiti, Metropolitan Community Churches around the globe mobilized to offer not only prayerful but financial support.  With the help of its congregation in nearby Santo Domingo, the denomination, dedicated to serving the LGBT community and all vulnerable populations, was able to fund direct assistance in the form of food, water, basic medicinal supplies, tents and sleeping bags to survivors.

Today, The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, announced a further gift in the amount of $10,000 to Housing Works, a New York City based organization committed to ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness.

In operation since 1990, Housing Works, under the direction of Charles King, has recently assisted in re-opening three medical clinics in Haiti.  Two of the clinics focus primarily on people living with HIV/AIDS and one has a primary outreach to women and children. --- In addition, Housing Works has been able to offer limited assistance in the form of light weight mosquito-proof tents to people living with HIV/AIDS who were rendered homeless by the earthquake's destruction.

"People living with AIDS are on the bottom of the help list," said King.  "We are so grateful for MCC's generous gift.  It will mean that some of the most vulnerable and underserved in Haiti will get the basic care and supplies they need to survive --- including temporary shelter."

Rev. Wilson, who spearheaded MCC's campaign to offer immediate and direct support to the ravaged communities of the island nation, said, "To be left homeless and hungry --- in many cases, having lost all family member and friends --- is bad enough.  To try to live without the medications, treatment and care people living with HIV/AIDS need to survive, is even worse.  We know that Haiti is the Caribbean nation most affected by HIV/AIDS, and we are praying that the gift we offer today will both save lives and build up hope for the future."

MCC's $10,000 gift will be awarded to Charles King, President and CEO of Housing Works, at a public worship service on March 14th in the sanctuary of Metropolitan Community Church of New York {446 West 36th Street, between Dyre and 10th Avenue}.  Members of the press are welcome to attend.