MCC of the Palm Beaches Launches HIV/AIDS Drop-In Center

“Some of the congregation members wanted to do more for people infected or affected by HIV and AIDS,” said Rev. Dr. Lea Brown, pastor of MCC of the Palm Beaches. “There has been an increasing apathy around HIV/AIDS and we just felt we had to reach out and help the forgotten and alone.”

The pastor and parishioners brainstormed and came up with the idea of a drop-in center where people with HIV/AIDS can come and spend time in a clean, safe environment, watch a movie, play games, get on the Internet, have a meal, take home food and toiletries, have some companionship and make some friends.

“We don’t have a lot of money but we considered what we do have – space, a food pantry, compassionate people, and a kitchen. It works,” Brown said. “We also recognized that there are limited resources available to people living in North County and we felt we could fill that gap.”

“We wanted people to understand that, although we’re a church organization, we’re not going to proselytize,” added Rafael Abadia, an HIV activist and member of the congregation who has been involved with the drop-in center from the start. “Some people have been turned away by religious organizations or required to participate in their services. That’s not what we’re about. We wouldn’t say they can’t worship with us. It’s just completely up to them.”

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