Grant: Operating Grant - HIV/AIDS CBR Program - General

Despite the availability of effective HIV treatment, many people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to experience poor health outcomes. While housing is well established as a determinant of health among PLHIV, little is known about the health impacts of displacement (i.e., forced move from residence) for this population. Displacement among PLHIV is an urgent concern in Vancouver's West End and Downtown Eastside neighborhoods, two of Canada's hardest hit areas by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. While the West End and Downtown Eastside have historically housed PLHIV and have a high concentration of health and social services tailored to support their specific needs, both neighbourhoods are undergoing rapid gentrification and rising residential and commercial rents. The recent wave of gentrification is dramatically changing the landscape of these neighbourhoods, placing displacement pressures on PLHIV and the health and social services they rely on. Our three-year study builds on existing community-academic partnerships to conduct a community-based participatory research that examines the link between displacement and health among PLHIV in Vancouver. This study will fill a critical gap in the HIV literature and inform actionable policy and program recommendations to address displacement and improve the health of PLHIV.