Angels Camp - Sierra Hope, an Angels Camp-based non profit assisting people with HIV and AIDS, is the latest regional non-profit to be affected by state budget cuts. “It hurts,” said director Jerry Cadotte (CUH-DOT). “These cuts are affecting not only us but all of the AIDS service agencies throughout the state.” Faced with a $26 billion state budget deficit, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed off on $16.1 billion in cuts and spending reductions in July, which included $52.1 million cut from the Office of AIDS Prevention and Treatment. Sierra Hope has lost $104,000 this year in government contract funding, about one third of its total budget. As a result, its four staffers, including Cadotte, are now all part-time workers. Cadotte said Sierra Hope serves approximately 124 people living with HIV and AIDS in Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. In Amador County, the non-profit currently serves three people with HIV and 20 people with AIDS, although Cadotte said “there may be others who have not requested our help.” Since the state first started tracking HIV/AIDS statistics, there have been 8 HIV cases and 50 AIDS cases reported in Amador County. Only 24 of those AIDS patients are currently living. Sierra HOPE has a nurse and social worker who travel to visit clients in their homes and assist with treatment, counseling, trips to the hospital and emergency financial assistance when necessary. “Because of the distance, clients can’t always come to us,” said Cadotte. He said that because funding is so limited, fundraisers are now more important than ever. He encouraged residents to attend the Sierra AIDS walk on September 19 at the Big Trees State Park in Tuolumne County. Registration is open from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Sierra HOPE has a long history serving the region, beginning in 1990 when the organization was known as the Sierra AIDS council. The organization was re-christened Sierra HOPE in 1996 and has since served all three counties. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.