Practical Supports

Practical supports that impact day to day living for people living with HIV/AIDS are a core outcome of many PWA services. Check out our practical support services ranging from financial assistance, food programs, Boutique and furniture access, Harm reduction supplies, Immigration and settlement services.

Financial Assistance (SUSPENDED UNTIL APRIL 2024)

On a funds-available basis, we provide financial assistance to community members to help with expenses some of which might include uninsured prescription medication, supplementary treatment costs, immigration matters, nutritional supplements, Emergency veterinarian and Transportation. This program also offers a stipend to individuals applying for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), individuals 65 and older and 17 and younger.

The program and criteria are reviewed annually. Review the latest Guidelines for the most up-to-date coverage.

The Program is available to all PWA community members on a limited basis. For more information, check out our 2023/2024 Financial Assistance Guidelines or speak to your Case Worker.


Essentials Market

This is PWA’s food bank which provides staple food items, Culturally appropriate foods, fresh produce, pet food, home start-up items, family hampers, special needs supplies such as baby items, and special diet accommodations based on availability. The PWA Food Bank is the only food bank in Toronto that exclusively serves people living with HIV/AIDS.

Essentials Market:

Mondays and Tuesdays: CLOSED

Wednesdays: 2pm to 7pm

Thursdays: 2pm to 7pm

Fridays: 12pm to 5pm 

If you have any questions about this program, contact the Food Programs Coordinator.


Community Food For Life Program

This community program is a weekly frozen meal delivery program for PHAs returning home from the hospital, experiencing severe mobility, acute medical issues, or are receiving palliative care.

If you have any questions about this program, contact the Treatment & Community Liaison.

This program is made possible with the generous support from: Mazon logo


Vitamin Supplements

Based on availability, vitamins are also provided.

PWA would like to thank the Village Pharmacy for their generous donation of Vitamin Supplements for this program. Their dedication to helping people living with HIV/AIDS is deeply appreciated.


Holiday Programs
The winter holiday period can be an especially challenging time and so PWA has created three Holiday Programs – children’s gift certificates, holiday hampers, and holiday dinner – each of which seeks to address one or more of the following goals:

  • To decrease the social isolation experienced during the holidays by fostering a sense of community and festivity
  • To help alleviate the financial hardship of individuals and families
  • To provide high quality food items to support healthy nutrition

PWA Children’s holiday party and Gift certificate program
The PWA Children’s Gift Certificates Program helps families struggling to meet basic needs afford gifts for their children during the holiday season. Each December, PWA distributes HBC gift certificates to children who are HIV positive or to children whose parents are HIV positive.

Community Members interested in the program contact their Benefits & Assistance Case Manager.


Holiday Hampers
The Holiday Hamper program provides people living with HIV/AIDS with a special hamper of high quality food items, personal care products and other gifts in order that they may participate in the spirit of the season. For many, it is their only opportunity to receive a gift. Holiday Hampers serve to lift the clients’ spirits and to maintain their nutritional intake. All clients are welcome to receive a Holiday Hamper and attend the Holiday Dinner and Show. Information about Hamper distribution is available in November.

PWA thanks our long standing partners that help make this program possible:

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