At the Gainesville Area AIDS Project, we offer an alcohol and drug free safe haven where people with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones can gather in a friendly atmosphere free from discrimination and stigma to enjoy each other’s company and help stay abreast of the development of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We serve lunch on Tuesdays and hot dinners on Fridays. There is never a charge. We also welcome ideas for social events or get togethers in addition to those which are regularly scheduled.

Frankly, we are never sure what a day at G.A.A.P. will include. We know there will be food, fun, lots of talk. But sometimes we’ve added videos, music, and cards. Hugs are always guaranteed! On the last Friday of each month we try to throw a special dinner with food furnished by a local restaurant, or sponsored by a church, club, or group.

A Brief History

GAAP was started in September of 1993 when around 25 Persons Living With AIDS (PLWAs), caregivers, and friends joined together to consider the unmet needs of PLWAs in the Gainesville area. Two factors quickly became apparent — people wanted a location where they could go for support and social activities, and they wanted to avoid the hassles of paperwork!

By December of 1993, GAAP had begun a drop-in center at Trinity United Methodist Church, meeting on Tuesdays and Fridays for brown bag lunches, games, and hugs from the “Mothers of GAAP.”

Today, GAAP is open two days a week; on Tuesdays for lunch from noon to 2 p.m. and on Friday after 5:30 p.m. for dinner, which is served at 6:00 p.m. We are located in the Liberty Center at 3131 NW 13th Street in Gainesville.

GAAP is run solely by volunteers and has no paid staff. We have no federal or state grants and rely solely on the generosity of the community for our financial needs. Each month we publish a newsletter, which is mailed to over 600 addresses. Another 200 are distributed throughout the community.

Board Meetings

Our board meetings are at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. All persons willing to help our cause are invited to attend any of our board meetings. We also welcome volunteers anytime to help us with our regular events and generally to help out around the place.

Contact Us

For more information about GAAP, please contact us by calling 352.373.GAAP (4227) or by emailing info@gaaponline.org.