Meet ‘Appa’ Who Runs a Shelter for HIV-Positive Children in Chennai, Giving Them Hope, Love, and a Future
In a world where many children living with HIV continue to face stigma, discrimination, and abandonment, one man from Chennai has dedicated his life to changing their future. Known affectionately as “Appa” (Father), Solomon Raj has become a symbol of compassion, resilience, and unconditional love. Through Shelter Trust, a home built for HIV-positive people and managed with the support of HIV-positive individuals, he has transformed the lives of dozens of children who once had nowhere to go.
For more than two decades, Solomon Raj has been providing not just food and shelter but also dignity, education, healthcare, and the emotional support every child deserves. Today, Shelter Trust stands as one of Chennai’s most inspiring examples of community-driven HIV care and child welfare.
A Mission Born Out of Compassion
Solomon Raj’s journey began in 2004 when he and his wife, Felvia Shanthi, decided to adopt a child after struggling with infertility. However, unlike most prospective parents, Solomon made a remarkable decision—he wanted to adopt an HIV-positive child, inspired by the suffering he had witnessed while working at a de-addiction centre.
His life changed when he welcomed Arputhraj, a six-year-old boy who had lost his entire family to HIV. Soon after, another child, Sangeetha, became part of the family. What began as a single act of kindness gradually evolved into a lifelong mission of caring for children affected by HIV.
Overcoming Social Stigma
When awareness about HIV was limited, Solomon and his family encountered fear, prejudice, and social isolation. Many people wrongly believed HIV could spread through everyday interactions, making life even more challenging for children.
Despite these obstacles, Solomon never lost faith. He educated himself about HIV, advocated for awareness, and continued opening his doors to children who had lost their parents or had been abandoned because of the disease.
As more families approached him seeking help, Solomon realised the need for a structured organisation. In 2005, he legally established Shelter Trust, ensuring every child received proper protection through the Child Welfare Committee and legal adoption procedures.
More Than a Shelter A Family
Today, Shelter Trust is much more than an orphanage. It is a loving family where children receive education, nutritious meals, healthcare, counselling, and opportunities to pursue their dreams.
Over the past 18 years, Solomon Raj has cared for more than 80 HIV-positive children. Many have completed higher education, while others have built successful careers and families of their own. Some continue to work at Shelter Trust, helping care for the next generation of children.
His first adopted son, Arputhraj, is pursuing a master’s degree in social work with the dream of helping vulnerable children, just as his father did. Sangeetha, another of his adopted children, now serves as a cook at the shelter while developing her tailoring skills.
Their success stories prove that HIV does not define a person’s future when they are given love, medical care, education, and equal opportunities.
Healthcare and Education Remain the Foundation
Children at Shelter Trust receive regular Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), ensuring they can lead healthier and longer lives. Alongside medical treatment, Solomon strongly believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and social exclusion.
Many of the shelter children have pursued degrees in computer science, biomedical engineering, business management, commerce, and visual communication. Their achievements challenge outdated stereotypes surrounding HIV and demonstrate what compassionate care can accomplish.
A Legacy of Hope
For Solomon Raj, every child deserves the warmth of a family regardless of their health condition. His life’s work reminds society that compassion can overcome prejudice and that every child deserves an opportunity to dream.
As India continues its fight against HIV/AIDS, inspiring initiatives like Shelter Trust highlight the importance of awareness, acceptance, healthcare, and community support. Solomon Raj’s extraordinary journey proves that one person’s kindness can change countless lives, making him not just an “Appa” to the children of Shelter Trust, but a true inspiration for humanity.
