Equitable Housing to End the HIV Epidemic

Ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S. requires implementing integrated solutions that address the comprehensive health, social services, and housing needs of people with HIV and people who could benefit from HIV prevention so they can stay healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a new HIV and Housing Issue Brief demonstrating the role of housing in ending the HIV epidemic. This issue brief illustrates how CDC collaborates with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to improve HIV-related health outcomes for people with HIV and people who could benefit from HIV prevention.

Research shows that housing instability is a significant barrier to HIV care and is associated with higher rates of behaviors that may increase the chance of getting or transmitting HIV. The data also show some populations are disproportionately affected by both housing instability and HIV, highlighting persistent disparities in access to critical health and social services by race, ethnicity, age, and gender identity.

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS)(PDF, 1.76MB) calls for a whole-of-society national response to accelerate efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030. NHAS specifically calls for approaches that address housing and other social determinants of health alongside other co-occurring conditions that impede access to HIV services and exacerbate HIV-related disparities. Studies have demonstrated that housing-focused interventions, such as rental assistance, permanent supportive housing, case management, and follow-up services can be cost-effective strategies for HIV prevention.

CDC will continue to actively work with other federal agencies, people with HIV, and community partners to equitably address housing and HIV care needs.