History

In the mid 1990s we carried out extensive research to discover the needs of those living with HIV and AIDS in Ireland and, more importantly, to create a project to meet those needs.  As part of our research we spent time in the Boston Living Center in the U.S.  We decided to replicate this model in Dublin.  The essential elements of the model were –

1. Membership (as distinct from a drop in centre and which facilitates the development of community)

2. Partnership with members and those in business, government, religious and other agencies and institutions in achieving our common purpose to confront the social reality of HIV and AIDS.

In 1997 the doors opened with 18 members and today we have 825 members.  We provide meals, therapies and a range of services in a discreet and confidential environment.  Stakeholders involved in the early days are in most cases still involved. They include the business community, the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin and seven religious congregations;  The Bon Secours Hospital, The Sisters of Charity, The Good Shepherd Sisters, The Sisters of Mercy, the Presentation Sisters, the Christian Brothers and the Jesuit Order.  This unique project was established after much discussion with the leadership in these congregations and the Archdiocese and it was agreed that Open heart House would provide a service for people living with HIV who are isolated and marginalised.

Prior to Open Heart House there was a befriending service in existence for prisoners living with HIV and AIDS at Mountjoy Prison that was established by the Archdiocese in the 1980's. Open Heart House then took this on as part of our programme.