Phoenix Project

The Phoenix Project exists to address the needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/As), especially those who are homeless or without support systems. The Phoenix Project offers numerous onsite services such as an HIV primary healthcare clinic, housing for PLWH/As, and many supportive programs designed to promote independence and self-sufficiency.

Project House Call consists of a nurse and case manager who provides preservation of housing through medical linkage. By taking supportive services into the homes of PLWH/As the physical, financial, and social barriers preventing healthcare and self-sufficiency are removed.

Results: In 2003 Project House Call served 172 individuals and prevented homelessness for 123.

HIV Primary Healthcare Clinic is an AIDS-specific healthcare clinic in partnership with Chatham County Health Department. Located at Phoenix Place, the clinic provides holistic healthcare to PLWH/As, including medication counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and full medical assessments.

Results: In 2003 provided services for 139 individuals over 1,134 encounters.

HOLD UP! A theater outreach program funded by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals has been designed to increase HIV/AIDS awareness among the community's adolescent population.

Results: HOLD UP! is currently being performed in jr. high and high schools throughout the region. Performances are booked well in advance.

The Phoenix Place is a co-ed emergency housing facility for homeless PLWH/As. Phoenix Place offers numerous onsite supportive services such as support groups, mental health counseling, nutritional counseling, legal services (through Georgia Legal Services) and substance abuse counseling. Phoenix Place mandates case management to all residential participants.

Results: 42 individuals stayed at the Phoenix Place last year. Of those, 15 ended their homelessness and another 19 were able to prevent becoming homeless.

Tenant Independence Program (TIP) is a tenant-based rental assistance program which helps PLWH/As maintain or secure permanent housing. The program stresses the utilization of case management and supportive services while fostering independence.

Results: Of the 33 individuals that were enrolled in TIP last year, 13 ended their homelessness and the remaining 20 never became homeless.

Daniel-Flagg Villas, a ten-unit permanent housing community located on the Phoenix Project campus, provides easy access to supportive services for PLWH/As and their families. The program participants must remain in case management and actively participate in supportive services.

Results: Daniel-Flagg Villas serves approximately 20 individuals and families and is usually 100% occupied.

Keeping At Risk Individuals Healthy (K.A.R.I.H.) provides health education, secondary prevention, community outreach, and peer education. K.A.R.I.H. offers free needle-less HIV testing and counseling at all outreach events.

Results: K.A.R.I.H. provided counseling and education for 130 individuals over 664 sessions in 2003.

Priscilla's Story
Priscilla was homeless and dependent on drugs. In June 1999, she was referred to Project House Call by the Chatham County Health Department. The nurse and case manager made medical and housing referrals and Priscilla was introduced to Phoenix Project's services.

Because of her illness, Priscilla moved into Phoenix Place, enrolled in case management, on-site support groups, and substance abuse programs. Six months later she successfully exited the transitional housing program.

By December 1999 Priscilla was able to move into the Daniel-Flagg Villas. While living in Daniel-Flagg, Priscilla had easy access to supportive services and the substance abuse programs.

After 3 years of recovery, Priscilla moved into the Tenant Independence Program. Still actively participating in supportive services, she has proven the result of determination in spite of sometimes insurmountable obstacles.

Priscilla has now been clean for over 4 years, is employed as a Peer-Educator, and a member of Union Mission's Consumer Advisory Board. She now has her own home and lives independently. Priscilla has worked extremely hard to regain her independence, her family and her confidence. Priscilla is proof that the Phoenix Project works to help individuals and families return to being members of the community.

Contact Information

Aretha R. Jones, MPH
Director of HIV/AIDS Services

Office: (912) 231-0123
Fax: (912) 232-7423
Email: ajones@unionmission.org

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