Basic Needs

Let’s start with the basics

Stable housing and access to healthy food aren’t luxuries—they’re fundamental. When you’re living with HIV, meeting these basic needs is a key part of maintaining your overall health. Learn how these basic needs create the foundation for your whole health.

Three People Sharing a Meal at a Dining Table

The facts about basic needs

What are basic needs? A roof over your head and food in your fridge are a good start. Access to safe and stable housing, as well as nutritious food, is foundational for everything, including your whole health.

Housing and HIV: What You Should Know

Stable housing supports your health.

Having a safe, affordable place to live makes it easier to stay in care, take your HIV medicines consistently, and keep regular medical appointments.

Unstable housing can make HIV care harder.

People facing homelessness or frequent moves are more likely to delay HIV care or struggle to stay on treatment.

Housing instability is common.

About half of people diagnosed with HIV in the U.S. experience homelessness or unstable housing at some point—often due to stigma, medical costs, reduced income, or illness.

HOPWA may be able to help.

The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program is the only federal program specifically designed to support the housing needs of people living with HIV and their families.

What does HOPWA offer? Local HOPWA programs may provide short- or long-term rental assistance, community residences, or supportive housing created specifically for people living with HIV

You may qualify for other housing programs, too.

People living with HIV may be eligible for some Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, housing programs, including public housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and local homelessness services.

Help is available if you’re at risk of losing housing.

HUD’s Resource Locator can connect you with nearby housing programs, shelters, and support services.

Safe housing is a foundation of whole health

Reaching out for support, whether through local HIV organizations, case managers, or housing programs can help.

Two People Preparing a Salad Together in a Kitchen

Nutrition, Healthy Eating, and HIV: What You Should Know

Good nutrition supports your overall health. Food gives your body the nutrients it needs to stay strong, grow, and work properly at every age.

Healthy eating is especially important for people living with HIV. It helps strengthen your immune system and can improve how well your HIV medicines work.

A balanced diet includes a mix of foods. Aim for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, dairy, and fortified soy alternatives, while limiting added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

Healthy eating and physical activity lower your chances of other health issues, like diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and obesity.

Talk with your HIV care team before making big diet changes. Many clinics have dietitians who can help you understand your needs and create a nutrition plan that supports your health.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. Resources like this can help you plan meals, find savings, and prepare budget-friendly, nutritious foods.

Food assistance may be available. Ask your HIV healthcare provider or clinic about local food resources and programs you may qualify for to help stretch your food budget.