History

Project Care is a non-profit organization that was incorporated in 1994 in response to the wide range of unmet needs of the HIV-positive homeless population in the Upstate of South Carolina. Thanks to the vision of the Christ Church AIDS Care Team, and support from many community groups like the Red Cross, Aid Upstate, and many local churches, Project Care is alive and growing. We successfully operate The Stephens’s House, which is the only emergency shelter for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the state.

The Stephens House is designed to accommodate up to six individuals who meet our criteria. Residents must be HIV positive, have low or no income, and be able to benefit from a high level of community. Each resident is evaluated to determine what services are appropriate to maximize health and quality of life. Since 1994, numerous residents have been afforded the opportunity to access safe, affordable housing each year. Most of these individuals have no income or resources and live in a place not meant for human habitation upon entry. Our clients present with a variety of needs that are addressed in a holistic manner by our staff. Project Care staff aids in building and rebuilding a stable environment, which is intended to better equip participants with an HIV-positive status. Our program has evolved as the disease has changed and the demographics have shifted. Project Care's emphasis is empowering people to live with HIV/AIDS.

Project Care’s long-term strategy has always been the implementation of a comprehensive Continuum of Care program. In keeping with this premise, we have acquired 29 units of housing in collaboration with United Housing Connections, Beyond Housing, and Tinsley Real Estate in Greenville County. These single units of housing continue to allow us to serve the growing number of HIV-positive homeless individuals.