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Meet the people of Stanford House
Stanford House has been supporting people living with HIV experiencing homelessness since 1991, with a long history of partnerships including the Daughters of Charity and St Vincent’s Hospital.
In 2025, the Haymarket Foundation took on the management of this vital program.
“A lot of the time when people are experiencing homelessness, their HIV care can end up being pushed to the back burner,” says Brenda O’Brien, HIV Programs Coordinator at Stanford House.
Brenda describes her role as providing holistic support for residents’ emotional, social, and material needs.
“It’s the formalisation of a role that has, since the early days of HIV, been about giving people somewhere to stay, helping them with practical needs, offering emotional support, and assisting them to attend medical appointments,” she explains.
“Stanford House is like a base. A place where people can feel safe and supported, and focus on their health and wellbeing, as well as their social needs,” Brenda adds.
Homelessness affects people in vastly different ways, and living with HIV can add an extra layer of challenge. Stephen, a recent resident referred by his psychiatrist, shares his experience:
“I became homeless by surprise. I had a stellar career and returned from 10 years overseas, only to find I was unemployable because I was over 50 and not known in local networks. I feel very fortunate to be here at Stanford House compared to most, but I’m still struggling with my identity – it feels like small pieces on the floor.”
Stigma often influences whether people living with HIV feel safe seeking support.
“I’ve worked with people who have completely withdrawn from their social or ethnic communities because of shame or fear that their diagnosis would become known,” Brenda says.
“And just having a space specifically for people living with HIV helps residents come out of their shell, build community, and overcome isolation,” she adds.
For Stephen, there are many challenges ahead, but he’s taking each day step by step.
“I’m very fortunate to have staff here to talk to. They’re really supportive, and I’m grateful to have a place like Stanford House,” he reflects.