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The first legal assistance ALRP provided 42 years ago was writing emergency wills for those with only days or weeks to live. In 2024, we continued this work by drafting wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives for over 50 clients and providing legal advice to over 100 more. We also conducted 28 educational presentations on end-of-life planning for 221 clients and staff at partner organizations such as the Curry Senior Center, Maitri, Openhouse, PRC, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and UCSF.

I had been procrastinating for years about making a legal will and documenting my end of life wishes. I contacted ALRP and was quickly able to schedule an appointment with Emily Heinzen. I went in with much uncertainty and apprehension about the process but was immediately put at ease by Emily. Her compassionate guidance made the entire experience a walk in the park. Within an hour I had completed the whole process and left with a smile on my face and feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I can’t thank Emily enough.

Greg Bigelow, ALRP Client

In 2024, 63% of ALRP’s new cases across all legal areas were for clients over age 50. As the community of people living with HIV in the San Francisco Bay Area continues to grow older, we are committed to ensuring that our neighbors have the critical documents they need to have a say in their treatment and legacy.

That’s why this summer, we will be partnering with BALIF, Openhouse, and Horizons Foundation to provide additional free legal assistance for wills, powers of attorney, and advanced health care directives. We look forward to sharing more news about this soon!

Image: Staff Attorney Emily Heinzen (right) reviews ALRP’s End of Life Planning programs with ALRP staff

Have you seen ALRP’s 2024 Annual Report?

Click here to read more about our accomplishments last year and our goals for 2025.

ALRP’s work with seniors is supported by Gilead Sciences, Bay Area Physicians for Human Rights, and the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services. We appreciate their ongoing support!