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

The purpose of the proposed research is to inquire into a community-based program for vulnerable street involved and homeless pregnant and early parenting women at risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)infection. People who are homeless are at increased risk for HIV and HIV infection rates are significantly higher amongst this population. According to the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, poverty, lack of affordable housing, homelessness, racism and stigma, all contribute to disease progression and a person's ability to manage and live with the disease. A community based research approach will provide the conceptual framework for this study, as this ensures that research priorities meet the interests of the community; community members are active participants in the process, and the research contributes to social change. In collaboration with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies we will inquire narratively into the life experiences of street involved and pregnant and early parenting women in precarious housing situations who are HIV positive or at risk for HIV, as well as the experiences of care providers as they provide care for this population.