Third Priority: Aging in Place

At Chicago House, we know that the story of HIV is also a story of resilience. For four decades, we have stood alongside individuals living with HIV, ensuring that community remains within reach. Today, a new chapter is unfolding: nearly half of all people living with HIV are now over 50, and by 2030, that number is expected to rise to 70%. At the same time, the number of adults experiencing homelessness who are 50 and older is projected to triple. These realities call for urgent innovation because aging with HIV presents challenges current health and housing systems are not yet prepared to meet. 

Older adults living with HIV face compounded risks. Surviving with the virus, alongside long-term use of early medications, has contributed to accelerated aging, manifesting in higher rates of comorbidities and early onset of geriatric conditions. These challenges are intensified by stigma, poverty, racism, and housing instability, which increase the likelihood of premature entry into long-term care facilities. 

Priority 3 of Chicago House’s new Strategic Plan honors the HIV heroes whose courage and advocacy gave future generations hope that life with HIV could be lived fully. Our Aging in Place model centers stability, dignity, and independence for adults over 50 living with HIV. In partnership with the Rush Center for Excellence in Aging and Health Management Associates, we are developing a training curriculum that equips our team with the tools to address the unique needs of older adults. This effort will strengthen our workforce and help ensure clients can remain housed and healthy as they age. 

We are also designing housing environments that promote safety and belonging, building employment services that keep people engaged in their communities, and advancing this approach to be replicated nationwide. Each of these steps reflects our belief that housing is healthcare, and that growing older should never mean losing autonomy or connection. 

Already, over 30% of Chicago House’s clients are over 50, and with looming federal cuts, they face heightened risks to health care, housing, and social supports. By investing in this population now, we ensure that adults living with HIV can age with continued hope. Stay tuned for more!