Damien Ministries was founded in 1987 by Louis Tesconi to serve “the poorest of the poor” living with HIV and AIDS, as inspired by the life of the Blessed Father Damien of Molokai. Father Damien spent many years on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, caring for those who were suffering with leprosy and helping them to live productive lives. Father Damien eventually contracted leprosy himself and died in Molokai in 1889.

In 1987, Damien Ministries, Inc. was comprised entirely of volunteers who lived in the community with each other with those who were dying of AIDS. By 1996 the organization hired its first a full-time, paid executive director and expands services to include case managers, faith-based outreach, and a food bank.

The organization has grown from a small, volunteer-run endeavor to one of the most respected and well-known organizations in the District of Columbia. While our size and scope of programs have grown, the vision of Damien Ministries has stayed the same-a strong and passionate desire to reach out to the people who are living–and dying–with HIV and AIDS. Empowering them through options and opportunities toward productive lives and life-styles.