Texas community
unites to rebuild AIDS hospice

Activists and businesses in Austin, Texas, are uniting to rebuild Doug's House, a hospice for people with AIDS that opened its doors in 1989, the Austin American-Statesman reports. Charlotte Hale, executive director of Project Transitions, the organization that owns and operates the hospice, said that the agency at first planned only renovations to the existing facility, but community and businesses leaders recommended rebuilding the facility--and sought donors to help with the project. So far, local businesses have volunteered their services to tear down the old facility, build the foundation for the new center, and put on a free roof. Contractors and supporters have donated about $100,000 in services so far; another $140,000 in donations or services is still needed. The new 2,900-square-foot facility will include five large bedrooms for AIDS patients, a larger living room and kitchen, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, and landscaped grounds. The new facility will open in mid September.