Project Lazarus was founded in 1985 by Fr. Paul Desrosiers and Fr. Bob Pawell in response to the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Archdiocese of New Orleans created the first "Residence House" for people dying from AIDS to come and receive care when their family and friends could no longer care for them. In the early years and through the 1990's, Project Lazarus was a hospice for people living with HIV/AIDS to come and die with dignity. As the disease has evolved, so has the agency, and it is now a place for people who are HIV positive to come and live while working toward goals. At Project Lazarus we focus on providing wellness and support services to individuals, with the goal of helping them overcome barriers and transition into permanent housing.