BLC HISTORY:

Informally begun in 1989 as small get-togethers in the homes of those with HIV/AIDS, this was the beginning of what is now the Boston Living Center. Officially founded in 1990 under the auspices of the Massachusetts Coalition for People with Disabilities, the BLC opened in a small space in the YWCA building on Clarendon Street in Boston. At the time, the Center offered one congregate dinner per week, social events, and outings, basic services such as haircuts, occasional classes and workshops and - most importantly - a supportive community for members. In 1995, the Center moved around the corner to its much larger current location on Stanhope Street. This major step allowed the Center to expand programming, operating 6 days a week with meals and a diverse array of programs and services.

In direct contrast to the lack of media attention on the disease, the Center again expanded in the Fall of 1999, to meet the needs of an ever increasing membership. Although the public had begun to believe that AIDS was over, and people had been cured, the Center was seeing the impacts of a changing HIV/AIDS population. With the advent of new drug therapies, many HIV Positive people were experiencing renewed vigor and improved health under strict and demanding drug regimens. The Center was seeing an average of one new member each day join the BLC. Services for this population were changing.

Members were beginning, for the first time, to prepare to re-enter the work force, and the Center created an employment support program to assist members in this effort. Also, more services were created for those with a dual diagnosis of HIV and addiction, as well as mental illness and homelessness.