Positive Spaces, Healthy Places

Housing has been identified as one of the most important needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS. The goal of this research is provide a space in which PHAs can voice their housing needs in order to better develop the case for social change in housing programming and policy for PHAs in Ontario that reflects the diversity within the PHA community. The goal of this research is to increase knowledge about the housing needs and experiences of PHAs and to highlight the ways in which current social policy in this area impacts on their housing situation. Interrelated housing issues for PHAs will be examined by: a) establishing a baseline of the housing status of PHAs in Ontario; b) identifying the range of housing options currently available to PHAs; c) identifying the characteristics of appropriate housing for PHAs; and, d) determining housing options required by PHAs that will ensure access to health and social services. The target population of the survey will be a cross section of PHAs in Ontario who are living in a range of housing situations and the study sample of 500 individuals will be stratified into groups according to: gender, region, PHAs from HIV-endemic countries, and PHAs from Aboriginal communities. Interviews with key informants about their knowledge/experience of current housing policies and how they impact on the lives of PHAs will also be conducted. Surveys will be analyzed using the SPSS quantitative data analysis program; qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. The project has since received additional funding for subsequent phases.