Community research

The qualitative study Crossed Perspectives on Maison d’Hérelle has been ongoing since 2021. Fourteen interviews were conducted with a sample of 27 people to complete this part of the study. Participants expressed their views on how their relationship with Maison d’Hérelle developed, as well as on its strengths, challenges, and the future they envision for this housing resource.

The diversity of the team in terms of their professional profiles and the different backgrounds of the users is perceived as a great asset. The same goes for Maison d’Hérelle’s ability to adapt over time to the changing realities of people living with HIV. Flexibility in managementall the more remarkable because it has been achieved without losing the original spirit of Maison d’Hérelle and the meaning behind the approachis closely aligned with the needs of the residents.

The main challenges facing Maison d’Hérelle have given rise to a number of priorities for the coming years, such as housing and support, human resources, strategic planning, public relations and networking, political activism, and property maintenance.

In the area of housing, for example, future issues are emerging around population groups that are more difficult to reach because of their vulnerability and social isolation. These include aging gay men, women, Aboriginal people, and people from countries where homosexuality and living with HIV put their safety and lives at risk.

The partial results of the study have initiated discussions about the future of Maison d’Hérelle in the Strategic Reflection Committee.