The AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta is being forced out of its office space on Ponce de Leon Avenue after the facility it has rented for 22 years was sold to real estate developers, the organization recently announced via its Facebook page.

ARCA, founded in 1988, focuses on HIV treatment and prevention research, as well as free HIV/STD testing services. Thousands of Atlantans have participated in more than 75 trials at ARCA, according to its website. “Our trials have contributed to the licensing by the FDA of 25 HIV/AIDS therapies that have been responsible for a dramatic increase in the length and quality of life for persons with HIV,” the agency states.

ARCA's currently facilities are located at 131 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE, between Ponce and North Avenue. The organization has been given until Oct. 22 to vacate the current space and needs some $10,000 to make the move happen, the group announced.

All of the buildings on the block located between Ponce de Leon and North Avenue in Midtown have been sold to real estate developers from Charlotte who are "shovel ready," ARCA said.

A series of fundraisers will be planned, including a Sept. 27 event at Apres Diem. 20 percent of the proceeds from the night will go straight to ARCA. Apres Diem has also promised $1 from every drink sold will go to ARCA's move for the remainder of September. ARCA hinted that more fundraisers will be held before the move date.

For more information or to donate, please visit www.arcatlanta.org.