PHA and LGBTQ Settlement

PHA and LGBTQ Settlement

The settlement needs of Black PHA (people living with HIV/AIDS) and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning) community members are especially complex. In many cases, they are unable to access mainstream settlement services as a result of HIV stigma and homophobia. For both populations, their plan to migrate to Canada is often initiated as a result of HIV stigma, homophobia, violence, isolation, persecution and trauma in their country of origin. This is an important contextual factor and as a result settlement services must address this reality. Many providers are unable to offer this support in a way that recognizes the specific settlement challenges that Black PHA and LGBT newcomers face.

Black CAP provides extensive settlement supports to PHA and LGBTQ newcomers who require specialized supports. Our objectives include:

• Increased access to useful and accurate orientation information for ACB LGBTQ and PHA newcomers
• Clients’ needs are assessed to inform the development of personalized settlement plans
• Clients are supported to make informed decisions about their settlement 
• Increased client knowledge and awareness of relevant community resources 
• Increased awareness of Black CAP’s settlement programming with clients, relevant service providers and other institutions
• Increase opportunities for social inclusion and integration

The delivery of programming that includes:

• One-on-one counseling
• Immigration Applications: Permanent Residency, Citizenship, Work, Study and Travel Applications
• Referrals to internal and external programming such as housing, employment, legal services, etc.
• Food bank and Clothing bank referrals
• Workshops on immigration and settlement
• Support and social groups with other LGBTQ and HIV positive newcomers
• Practical Supports such as accompaniment to appointments, form and documentation completion and emergency financial assistance to those who qualify
• Career and education and assessment

Ido Edeh
PHA Settlement Coordinator
Phone: 416-977-9955, ext. 268
Email: i.edeh@black-cap.com

Nicole Thompson
Settlement Assistant
Phone: 416 735.7340 ext. 236
Email: n.thompson@black-cap.com