Back to: HIV Housing Toolkit
HIV-related stigma and other intersecting forms of stigma (such as those linked to substance use, mental health, poverty, race, gender identity, or sexual orientation) can directly reduce access to safe and stable housing. People may face discrimination from landlords, housing providers, or neighbours, including being denied housing, evicted, or subjected to intrusive questions or breaches of privacy. Fear of disclosure can also lead individuals to avoid applying for housing or requesting needed supports, limiting their options and increasing the risk of precarious or unsafe living situations.
Stigma can also affect housing stability after placement. Negative assumptions about HIV or other conditions may result in unequal treatment, reduced tenancy protections, or lack of appropriate accommodations. This can create environments where people feel unsafe or isolated, increasing stress and making it harder to maintain housing over time. These barriers are often compounded when multiple stigmatized identities or circumstances intersect, reinforcing cycles of exclusion from stable housing.
PAN has created an HIV Stigma Toolkit that contains modules that define stigma, outline the different types of stigma, and offers various approaches and methods for reducing stigma. Click HERE or on the image below to access the kit to learn about HIV stigma.
