Chicago House Goes to Washington
This month, Chicago House had the honor of participating in the White House's National HIV/AIDS Policy Symposium, where leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the next phase of HIV care: focusing on quality of life for people living with HIV (PLHIV). The event, titled Enhancing the Lives of People with HIV, marked a critical step toward imagining life beyond viral suppression. Evany Turk, Director of Residential Services, and Judith Perloff, Chief Program Officer, were invited to participate and lend their expertise on issues of housing, healthcare, and support for individuals living with HIV.
The symposium, organized by key governmental officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of HIV/AIDS Housing, was a pivotal gathering to reframe the federal HIV response. While significant progress has been made in achieving viral suppression for many individuals, the event emphasized that medical treatment alone is insufficient. Healthy aging for people living with HIV requires a holistic, long-term care framework, which includes access to stable housing, mental health services, employment opportunities, and social support systems.
“Attending the Quality of Life Summit reminded me of a powerful truth: People living with HIV were never expected to live long lives," shared Evany. "Today, many of us are thriving well past 50, yet too often we are forced to live in poverty just to access life-saving medicine or endure unacceptable conditions simply to receive support. It’s time to change that. We deserve quality standards for our lives—not just survival, but dignity, stability, and true equity. I’m ready to work to make this happen for all PLHIV.”
Evany’s words resonate deeply with the work Chicago House has been doing for years to provide not just care, but dignity, for people living with HIV. Chicago House has long focused on the intersection of stable housing and HIV care, recognizing that housing is a critical foundation for overall well-being.
Judith noted how the discussions at the symposium aligned with the organization’s ongoing work. “It was so inspiring and invigorating to hear that our initiatives in supporting our aging HIV-positive population are in line with this shift in the HIV response on the federal level,” she said. “The focus now is not just on viral suppression, but on quality of life metrics—housing, employment, mental health—that will be critical to expanding the lifespan of those living with HIV.”
People living with HIV need access to stable housing, mental health services, and job opportunities to thrive. Judith highlighted the importance of a holistic approach, emphasizing that while viral suppression is crucial, it’s not enough to support healthy aging. The White House symposium acknowledged that the next phase in ending the HIV epidemic will require a focus on these quality-of-life factors, ensuring that individuals can live long, fulfilling lives, well beyond their diagnosis.
As the federal government takes steps to rethink HIV care, Chicago House remains committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that support people living with HIV in all aspects of their lives. By working with community partners, government agencies, and other thought leaders, Chicago House hopes to ensure that those aging with HIV—especially those who have lived through the early days of the epidemic—receive the resources, care, and respect they deserve.
“Together, we are working toward a future where people living with HIV are not only surviving, but thriving,” said Judith. “The work ahead is about equity, dignity, and building a world where everyone can live their life fully, regardless of their HIV status.”
Chicago House's participation at the White House symposium reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV. With a renewed focus on quality of life and long-term care, the future of HIV care is not just about medical treatment, but about creating supportive, empowering environments where people can thrive at every stage of life.