Project Lazarus supporters take many forms. The organization’s programming prioritizes a variety of community partnerships to provide a holistic wellness experience for its residents. Because of this, partner representatives who enter their hallways are incredibly diverse.
Current program offerings led specifically 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, Jeff Guillory, Tulane Service Learners, Colleen Curran, Lawrence Gobble with NOLA Healer, Shaw McPherson, and Archbishop Hughes, respectively.
Chantel Hunter, clinical director and professional counselor, who oversees partnership relationships and development, says case management for residents would be lacking without partner efforts.
“The primary purpose of these offerings is to expand the health education and intervention programming offered to our residents into other realms of health and wellness,” Chantel said.
The classes supplement the care provided by the Project Lazarus team, which includes 13 direct support professionals and administrative staff who ensure residents receive 24/7 assistance with daily living, case management, and wellness support. Programming success is measured not only by outcomes but also by viral suppression, achieving sobriety milestones, maintaining long-term housing stability, and improving quality of life.
Programs managed directly by Project Lazarus consist of:
– Home management, which includes 24/7 assistance; grocery shopping and home-cooked meals, chores and gardening, and medication support. Wellness education and activities. Information about and support for activities of daily living and housing-related maintenance. Employment readiness.
– Psychosocial support, which provides individualized plans.
– After-care services, which consist of HIV counseling and group sobriety check-ins, as well as a substance abuse group.
– Recovery group, which is kicked off by a guided meditation where residents are encouraged to check in (physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially) and have the opportunity to define the Life Cycle of Recovery.
– Defined Life Cycle, where participants review effective recovery practices and identify unhelpful behaviors.
As the organization expands, so do service needs. In October 2025, Project Lazarus expanded their transitional housing offerings from 11 units to accept 10 additional residents, as a result of the completed renovation of Hurricane Ida damage on all facility buildings.
Chantel underlined that programming is a collaborative effort — one that is determined by the residents themselves, to a certain degree.
“Our residents are not passive recipients of care; they help shape it. We hold regular resident-staff huddles, where participants are encouraged to share feedback, voice needs, and help shape programming decisions,” she said.
The residents, say Caroline Neumeyer and Tracey Adams, both nursing students at Loyola University, are a testament to the effectiveness of the Project Lazarus program model. The two women visit Project Lazarus as part of their clinical rotation for their nursing program.
“I didn’t know that this place existed, but once I started coming on site, I felt the positive energy from the clients who are served here. They don’t feel like they are in a judgmental space. The experience opened my eyes to different career possibilities,” Tracey said.
Caroline agreed. “I think it’s important for people to know the work that Project Lazarus is doing, especially in terms of helping the HIV population. People still need to be educated about HIV and how common it is, because there’s still a lot of negativity and stigma. It’s important for residents to be in a safe and protected place where all the staff are caring and protective,” Caroline said.
“Medicine has come so far. But the stigma regarding HIV continues to be very dangerous and can put people’s lives at risk,” Tracey added, noting that one of her own family members had passed away from HIV-related complications. “More people need to know that this place exists and support it.”
To support the Project Lazarus #GivingTuesday campaign, go online to onecau.se/_dmp2f1. To learn more about our organization, you can visit www.projectlazarus.net.
