LOS ANGELES: HIV Service Group Evicted For "Bringing Disease" Into Building

A Los Angeles organization that provides services to the HIV+ Hispanic community says they were evicted after only two days in their new office after the landlord allegedly told them they were "bringing disease" into the building. The Advocate reports:

Bienestar is a non-profit social services organization offering testing, support and information to the Southern California Latino LGBT, HIV-positive, and other at-risk communities since 1989. Just 48 hours after opening in a new Van Nuys location, the landlord forcibly evicted the organization, saying it was "bringing disease" to the building. Bienestar has filed a lawsuit to regain access to its property, still locked inside the building. On Monday, August 13, Bienestar began providing services at their new location at 14546 Hamlin St., in Van Nuys, Calif. On Tuesday, August 14, Bienestar reports the landlord demanded the organization remove its belongings and vacate the premesis. That same day, a locksmith arrived to change the locks on the building, denying Bienestar members access to their property inside the building, including confidential client files.

Bienestar is offering services out of its mobile unit for the time being. If the above story proves to be true, I have a feeling they may end up owning the building they say they were kicked out of.