APAIT a division of Special Service for Groups

What APAIT a division of Special Service for Groups does

APAIT is a nonprofit division of Special Service for Groups, Inc. (Tax ID 95-1716914) providing integrated HIV/STI prevention, behavioral health, housing, and forensic treatment services in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California. Founded in 1987 as a grassroots AIDS service organization for Asian and Pacific Islander communities dying alone from AIDS-related stigma, the organization has expanded over 35+ years to serve LGBTQIA-2S individuals, immigrants and refugees, people living with HIV/AIDS, those with behavioral health lived experience, housing-insecure individuals, justice-involved individuals, and human trafficking survivors. Services are delivered across three physical offices (Koreatown HQ, Lincoln Heights satellite, Orange County regional office in Garden Grove), the Mark Twain interim housing site, and a Community Mobile Clinic that brings testing to community events.

The core service technology is a trauma-informed, culturally appropriate integrated care model combining case management, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, HIV/STI testing, and housing support. Notable technical components include rapid HIV testing (INSTI providing 1-minute results, standard rapid tests at 20 minutes), integrated service delivery platforms across programs like SMART (Substance Misuse and Recovery from Trauma), STOP Trans Hate, PEAKS, and Journey to Wellness House (forensic treatment). Research infrastructure includes the $5 million CHRP-funded Project CARE combining universal basic income with housing services, and the T.H3.E. Project examining fragmented data portal challenges in transgender HIV research. Specialized sub-brands include T.H.R.E.A.D.S. (fashion workshops for TGI/GNC creatives, launched June 2026) and Auntie Mele's House (housing for homeless LGBTQIA-2S).

APAIT's revenue model is grant and contract dependent. Primary funding comes from federal agencies (CDC, HRSA, SAMHSA, NIH), California state programs (CHRP, Office of Minority Health), county contracts, Medi-Cal and Ryan White fee-for-service reimbursement, and private philanthropy (The California Endowment, Gilead Sciences, Johnson & Johnson). All services are provided free of charge to eligible clients. Go-to-market is community-led, relying on grassroots outreach, social media campaigns (#StatusisSexy, #WERISETOGETHER), referral networks with DMH, courts, and healthcare providers, and event-based mobile clinic deployment. Customer segments are horizontal across vulnerable populations rather than enterprise-focused.

Name

APAIT a division of Special Service for Groups

Legal name

Special Service for Groups, Inc.

Website

https://apaitssg.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

APAIT is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit division of Special Service for Groups providing integrated HIV/STI prevention, behavioral health, housing, and forensic treatment services to LGBTQIA-2S, immigrant, refugee, housing-insecure, and other vulnerable populations across Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Health and Human Services

NAICS

Social Assistance (624), Community Housing Services (62422)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

Keywords

• HIV prevention services
• Behavioral health counseling
• Supportive housing programs
• Community health outreach
• Forensic treatment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Contracts: Primary funding from federal and state government agencies including CDC, HRSA, SAMHSA, and California HIV/AIDS Research Program (CHRP) for HIV prevention, treatment, behavioral health, and housing services.
2. Research Grants: Academic research grants from institutions like UCLA School of Nursing and NIH-funded projects for implementation science research on HIV, housing, and economic interventions.
3. Donations and Philanthropy: Private foundation and corporate philanthropy from The California Endowment, Johnson & Johnson, Gilead Sciences, and individual donors supporting programs and services.
4. Fee-for-Service (Medi-Cal, Ryan White): Reimbursement for mental health services, case management, and HIV-related care for eligible individuals through Medi-Cal and Ryan White programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

APAIT provides free, confidential HIV and STI testing, behavioral health counseling, substance use treatment, supportive housing, and forensic treatment (competency restoration) for vulnerable populations in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Services are delivered via fixed offices, a mobile clinic, and housing sites with culturally appropriate, trauma-informed programming tailored to LGBTQIA-2S, immigrant, and refugee communities.

Product overview

APAIT is a community-based organization serving Los Angeles and Orange counties, offering an integrated service model for vulnerable populations. The organization provides HIV/STI testing (via walk-in clinics and Community Mobile Clinic), behavioral health services (mental health counseling, substance use treatment via SMART Program, case management), housing services (emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing), forensic treatment (Journey to Wellness House), and PrEP Navigation. Specialized programs include STOP Trans Hate for hate crime survivors, the T.H.R.E.A.D.S. fashion and arts program, and research initiatives like Project CARE (UBI + housing intervention study) and the T.H3.E. Project for transgender health equity. The organization operates from three physical locations and serves LGBTQIA-2S communities, immigrants, refugees, and those at risk for HIV/STIs, housing insecure individuals, and those with behavioral health lived experience.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• T.H.R.E.A.D.S. Trans, Healing, Resilience, Empowerment, Arts, Design & Services - a program launched for TGI & GNC creatives offering free fashion workshops.
• Auntie Mele's House
• Journey to Wellness House
• SMART (Substance Misuse and Recovery from Trauma)
• Community Mobile Clinic (CMC)
• STOP Trans Hate

Products and services

• HIV & STI Testing
• Community Mobile Clinic (CMC)
• PrEP Navigation Services
• PEAKS Program
• Behavioral Health Services
• SMART Program
• STOP Trans Hate
• Heluna Health Spanish Language Mental Health Program
• Re-entry Program
• Journey to Wellness House
• Housing Services
• T.H.R.E.A.D.S.

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• UCLA School of NursingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 December 2024Research collaboration on Project CARE (Californians Access to Resources for Housing and Economic Security to Promote HIV Care), a $5 million CHRP-funded study examining combined effects of Universal Basic Income and housing services on healthcare engagement among people living with HIV. Principal Investigators Dr. Wei-Ti Chen and Dr. Chengshi Shiu lead the academic team alongside APAIT/SSG Division Director Jury Candelario.
• CHIPTS (Center for HIV Identification, Prevention, and Treatment Services)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through the Transgender Health/Housing/HIV Equity (T.H3.E.) Project for HIV research and community engagement. SSG/APAIT staff present research at CHIPTS HIV Next Generation Conference, contributing to research infrastructure and community engagement initiatives.
• The Network Group, Inc.secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on survivor-informed research study focused on the illicit massage industry and sex trafficking. APAIT contributed expertise in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care to research that centers lived experiences of women impacted by trafficking.
• Garden of HopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in survivor-informed research on the illicit massage industry and human trafficking survivors.
• Reset180minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in survivor-informed research on human trafficking and exploitation.
• The WellHouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in survivor-informed research on human trafficking survivors.
• Into the LightminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in survivor-informed research on human trafficking and exploitation.
• BACUPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of 4th Annual Art on Canvas: Client Art Exhibit in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, showcasing artwork by individuals with lived experience in recovery.
• California Health & Human Services AgencysecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerAgency Secretary Kim Johnson and state/county leaders visited Mark Twain interim housing site as part of Hollywood Behavioral Health Tour to observe coordinated care approaches addressing mental health and homelessness.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Los Angeles LGBT Center: Large LA-based nonprofit delivering primary care, mental health, housing, and HIV services to LGBTQ+ communities. Same population, same LA geography, same integrated wraparound service structure as APAIT.
• APLA Health: Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing integrated HIV care, primary care, and supportive services to people living with and at risk for HIV. Directly comparable in LA geography, HIV/STI service mix, and CBO funding model.
• Howard Brown Health: Chicago-based LGBTQ+ community health center providing primary care, behavioral health, HIV services, and case management. Closest multi-disciplinary LGBTQ+ CBO peer to APAIT outside California.
• Callen-Lorde Community Health Center: NYC-based LGBTQ+ health center offering primary care, mental health, HIV care, and supportive services for LGBTQ+ populations including transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Directly comparable integrated-care model for underserved LGBTQ+ patients.
• PATH (People Assisting the Homeless): LA-based nonprofit operating interim housing, supportive housing, and homelessness prevention programs. Directly comparable on the housing services component of APAIT's integrated model.
• LA Family Housing: LA-based nonprofit providing interim and permanent supportive housing combined with case management and supportive services. Directly comparable on the housing and wraparound support elements of APAIT's offering.
• Bienestar Human Services: LA-area nonprofit focused on Latino LGBTQ+ and HIV-affected communities, providing HIV testing, case management, mental health, and housing support. Directly comparable in mission, service mix, and regional focus.
• San Francisco AIDS Foundation: San Francisco-based HIV/AIDS nonprofit providing testing, prevention (PrEP), behavioral health, housing, and substance use services. Nearest scope-equivalent HIV CBO peer outside APAIT's LA/OC geography.
• Minority AIDS Project: LA-based Black-founded HIV/AIDS service organization providing case management, housing, and prevention services. Same LA geography, similar CBO funding mix, narrower demographic focus than APAIT.

Broad incumbents

• AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF): One of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations globally, headquartered in LA. Operates clinics, pharmacies, and testing programs alongside advocacy and housing. Overlaps with APAIT's HIV and testing services but at vastly larger scale and broader portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/apait-ssg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about APAIT a division of Special Service for Groups