Union Mission’s Phoenix Project will recognize World AIDS Day on Wednesday, December 1^st at Forsyth Park (band shell area) for a special event. A history of HIV advancements will be on display at 4:00pm with a candle vigil beginning at 6:00pm featuring speakers including City of Savannah Mayor Van Johnson.

World AIDS Day is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.

Since 1990, Union Mission has been the primary housing and service provider for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Georgia’s Southeast region. For over 30 years, these programs have a history of proven success placing Union Mission clients in permanent housing, improving their health outcomes, and collaborating with the community to provide holistic services that ensure lasting success for those Union Mission serves. Housing programs include assistance with medication adherence and disease management, transportation, support groups and mental health counseling. These services are provided in the following Union Mission programs:

• The Phoenix Project is a 10-bed special needs housing program for those living with HIV/AIDS that also offers short-term rental and utility assistance. Residents work with a case manager to develop an Individualized Service Plan that will guide them into independent living. Services include HIV/AIDS healthcare assessment and treatment, peer education, resource coordination, support groups, and substance abuse treatment.

• Daniel Flagg Villas is a 10-unit permanent housing community dedicated to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Apartments are leased to clients at an affordable rate according to each occupant’s income.

• TIP Programs provide permanent housing, Tenant Based Rental Assistance, medical, and supportive services to over 71 households living with HIV/AIDS in the Savannah-Chatham region and surrounding rural counties.

“Union Mission’s Phoenix Project, Daniel Flagg Villas & TIP programs, provide permanent housing, medical and supportive services to over 71 households living with HIV/AIDS” said Michael Traynor, Union Mission President & CEO.  “Through these programs, Union Mission served 110 individuals in 2020 with 94% of those obtained stable housing when exiting this program. Phoenix Project is proud to recognize World AIDS Day for this portion of the homeless population.”