Over the years, Project Lazarus has grown to provide a variety of services, developing comprehensive offerings in accordance with the needs of our communities and in alignment with the most innovative and proven systems of care.

Understanding the Need

Louisiana continues to face one of the most severe HIV statistics in the country, with more than 23,000 people living with HIV statewide and nearly half having progressed to an AIDS diagnosis. New Orleans remains among the hardest-hit cities nationally, consistently ranking near the top for new diagnoses. These realities underscore the urgent need for program models that address care gaps. 

Who We Serve

Project Lazarus meets the needs of community members not only in New Orleans, but throughout the Gulf South. Today, our team receives referrals from Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Mobile, Biloxi, Pensacola, and beyond.

Our residents reflect the communities most affected by HIV and systemic inequity. All residents live below 80% of the federal poverty guidelines, with the majority identifying as Black individuals and approximately one-third as women. Many arrive with complex medical needs, reinforcing the importance of culturally responsive, trauma-informed care without judgment.

“Our residents are not passive recipients of care; they help shape it … participants are encouraged to share feedback, voice needs, and help shape programming decisions.”

Chantel Hunter, Programs Director, PLPC

Transitional Housing As Healthcare

Project Lazarus operates a residential campus of 23 units across two buildings, set within a healing environment that includes gardens, water features, and shared outdoor spaces. In addition to thoughtfully furnished private rooms, each residence offers common living areas, shared bathrooms, and family-style kitchens, where daily meals are prepared by our nutritionist.

At the heart of the campus, our gardens serve as a place of restoration and purpose, with residents invited to participate in our work-readiness garden program as part of their path toward stability and independence.

Once accepted into our program, residents receive around-the-clock assistance, coordinated medical and behavioral health services, and comprehensive case management.

Substance Use Support 

The South, as a whole, continues to face significant quality of life challenges related to substance use, including housing instability, chronic illness, and poverty. For people living with HIV, substance use can disrupt treatment, worsen health outcomes, and create barriers to long-term stability.

Project Lazarus addresses these issues through the integration of substance use support into our housing and continuity of care model. Experienced staff members provide individualized case management, harm-reduction strategies, counseling referrals, and seamless coordination with medical and behavioral health partners.

Coaching and education programs managed directly by Project Lazarus consist of:

Recovery Group

• Guided meditation that provides physical, emotional, spiritual, and social check-ins
• Assistance and discussion regarding Life Cycle of Recovery

Defined Life Cycle

• Provides effective recovery practices and identifies unhelpful behaviors

After-Care Services

• HIV counseling and group sobriety check-ins, as well as a substance use group

Coaching & Education

Residents receive personalized coaching and education, overseen by our Programs Director, and expanded by coordinated offerings of community partners. Individualized plans are formed by residents’ personal and professional goals, in alignment with their in-depth wellness evaluations. This holistic approach equips residents with the tools, skills, and support they need to navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve long-term stability.

Coaching and education programs managed directly by Project Lazarus consist of:

• Home management, which includes 24/7 assistance
• Grocery shopping and home-cooked meals
• Chores and gardening
• Medication adherence support
• Wellness education and activities
• Information about/support for activities of daily living and housing-related maintenance
• Employment readiness

Support & Advocacy 

Support and advocacy programming features weekly individual medical and non-medical case management to support the full spectrum of residential needs. Case management includes one-on-one check-ins that center on developing and reviewing personalized service plans, setting wellness goals, and addressing day-to-day needs related to housing and stability within our program.

Project Lazarus case managers work closely with residents to review prescribed medications, discuss nutrition, and establish daily routines that support consistent and effective medication practices. Our coordinated care planning combines individuals care plans with substance use support, as needed (to learn more, see our Substance Use Support section). Advocacy assistance can also include job readiness education, such as resume development and  employment application assistance, as applicable.

Other forms of facilitation include Social Security guidance,  help with housing applications, referrals to additional community resources, and coordination of transportation to medical appointments and essential services.

Through these connections, residents are supported not only on campus, but throughout the broader community as they work toward independence and sustained well-being.

Mentorship, Lifeskills & Recreation Training

Current program offerings that are led by trusted local community partners include social services, life skills, philosophy, acupuncture, massage, yoga, guided meditation, and pastoral counseling, to name a few. Partners include Loyola University , Jesuit Volunteer Corps , Tulane Service Learners , Colleen Curran, NOLA Healer , Shaw McPherson, and Archbishop Hughes, respectively.

Our Lifeskills sub-program, facilitated by Jesuit Volunteer Corps team members, provides participants with class discussions covering essential skills for navigating life in New Orleans, including personal hygiene, professional communication, time management, conflict resolution, and access to vital community resources. The course equips attendees with practical tools to build confidence, independence, and success in daily life.

Financial Literacy & Budgeting

Curriculum offerings for the Financial Literacy and Budgeting Program provide residents with a foundation of financial literacy, helping them establish spending plans and learning how to take control of their own monetary future. The program is highly interactive and includes field trips, guest speakers, and topic-led group discussions.

Daily Support & Case Management

Project Lazarus care professionals provide resident assistance and support with transportation, SSI/SSDI benefits, SNAP benefits, connection to the state permanent supportive housing registry, community appointments, and medical care guidance.

Nutrition Programming

Nutrition is a core element of health, and as a treatment, it ensures that individual care plan progress remains stable. During the resident onboarding process, individuals are assessed for tailored nutritional needs. Special requirements, such as intolerances or allergies are recorded and taken into account during daily meal preparation. All residents receive three meals per day, as planned by the Project Lazarus nutritionist.

Become a Program Partner

To become a Program Partner please contact Chantel Hunter at chunter@projectlazarus.net.

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Measurable Outcomes