What’s New?
London, ON - In January, the long-awaited Community & Services Hub officially opened its doors at 602 Queens Avenue. The program is a proud partnership between London Cares Homeless Response Services, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC), the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph (St Joe’s Café) and the Thames Valley Family Health Team (TVFHT). In a supportive environment and based on the core values of dignity, hospitality, inclusion, community, social justice, persistence and hope, these agencies are coming together to develop a hub to co-create community and address housing, health care needs, and link to support and social services.
The Hub provides supports and services to people experiencing homelessness and other barriers to wellness. The Hub is now open Monday to Friday (9:30am-12:30pm and 1:30-4:30pm), providing a place to belong for those seeking community and free supportive services, such as:
- Laundry facilities (including necessary supplies)
- Shower facilities (including towels and toiletries)
- Basic clothing (socks, underwear, warm clothing)
- Service referrals for housing, healthcare and wellness needs;
- Warm meals, and more.
This collaboration will provide long-standing core programs and services, and additional collaborative supports to meet the complex needs of many who will access the Hub.
The former church at Queens Avenue and Adelaide Streets had $3-million worth of renovations to house the new facility including a new kitchen, eating area, an elevator for accessibility, and a renovated communal meeting space. With a goal to strengthen wrap around supports for those accessing the Hub, the main floor offers office/meeting and clinic spaces that will be available to other values aligned community service providers.
“The focus of this facility is really about offering dignity, a sense of community and hope to London’s homeless population,” says Anne Armstrong, Executive Director of London Cares. “To address the homeless population, we need to help in a dignified manner. We may not eliminate homelessness, but to give someone the services they need to get out of poverty, will make a world of a difference to that individual.”
“We view the collaborative vision of our Community Hub as an important part of the “Whole of Community Response” which has become an imperative for diverse sectors within London in the effort to address the current challenges in our community,” says Brian Lester, Executive Director of the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection. “With our collective expertise and dynamic partnership, we look forward to opening our doors as we respond to the complex and intersecting issues that contribute to London’s homelessness and health crisis.”
In the media:
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) is proud to present our 5th annual Red Scarf concert supported by Bronnenco Construction Ltd. Every year, Red Scarf raises real awareness about HIV/AIDS to end stigma and support people living with, at risk for and affected by HIV. This year, we’re excited to announce Red Scarf Rewind featuring ABBAMANIA in support of RHAC’s client programs and services.
What: Red Scarf Rewind in support of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection
Who: ABBAMANIA and Night Fever in tribute to ABBA and The Bee Gees
Where: London Music Hall (185 Queens Avenue, London, ON)
When: Saturday, November 26 at 7PM
Tickets: $39.55 (plus fees) at LondonMusicHall.com
ABBAMANIA is an acclaimed tribute to one of the biggest pop bands in history, performing ABBA's greatest hits with authentic costumes, choreography and big studio sound. ABBAMANIA has performed internationally, and twice for the cast of Mamma Mia! The show also features Night Fever with all the high harmonies and stage presence of the Bee Gees. Don't miss two incredible shows on one stage for one night only!
Get tickets now in support of RHAC at LondonMusicHall.com
Thank you to this year's Red Scarf sponsors:
Bronnenco Construction Ltd., Compudata, Toyota Manufacturing Canada Inc., Cornerstone Architecture, Harrison Pensa Lawyers, sagecomm, 97.5 Virgin Radio, and NewsTalk 1290 CJBK.
Given the increasing cost of groceries, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection's John Gordon Home (JGH) program is struggling to provide many basic items for our residents and those who reach out to us for assistance.
JGH would be grateful to receive donations of any of the following:
- Grocery store gift cards
- Personal hygiene products
- Bottled water/Juice boxes
- Granola Bars
- Warm clothes (socks/mittens/hats)
- Adult-size track pants
- Hoodies
Please call ahead at 519-433-3951 to arrange a drop-off of donated items from the list above at 596 Pall Mall St.
John Gordon Home (JGH) is a program of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection. JGH, or 'the Home with a Heart,' supports people living with HIV/AIDS and HCV (Hepatitis C) who have immediate healthcare needs to realize positive health and wellness outcome through the provision of: Transitional care, respite care, and end of life care. Learn more here.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection’s (RHAC) Executive Director, Brian Lester, has announced his planned departure from his role to begin retirement effective March 31, 2023. Over the course of 16 years of dedicated work, Brian has advanced RHAC’s mission, vision and values, bringing solution-focused approaches forward to catalyze significant organizational growth and realize positive community impacts.
Brian has consistently honored the agency’s community- and volunteer-inspired origins throughout his tenure with RHAC. His skill and passion for the work has been underpinned by strong and respectful trust relationships with funders, community partners, staff, volunteers, and supporters; all contributing positively to organizational health and community impact. Over the years, RHAC’s value statement—The Courage to Do What is Right—has stood out as a strong reflection of Brian’s belief in the advancement of social justice for people placed at the margins of our community. Brian’s legacy is one of truly courageous leadership.
Over the next six months, the Board will be conducting a thorough search to find RHAC’s next Executive Director. It is our priority to find a dynamic leader with a true passion and capacity to further RHAC’s mission: to positively impact the lives of individuals and diverse communities living with, at-risk for, or affected by HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C (HCV). Notices seeking applications for the position will be published soon on the RHAC website and through several other channels. The process is expected to be completed with a new appointment announced March 1, 2023.
Read the full announcement from RHAC's Board Chair, Chris Moss.
SAVE THE DATE: The Board of Directors of Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) invite you to join us for this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, September 8 at Civic Garden Complex (625 Springbank Drive in London, ON) for a catered reception at 5:30 PM and our AGM from 6-8 PM. Please join us as celebrate the theme of ‘Courage on the Move’ and review our performance during Fiscal 2021 while reflecting on key impacts made in our community and welcoming the election of new members to the Board.
To RSVP, contact Naiomi at 226.376.5461 or nnarcisian@hivaidsconnection.ca.
NEW MEMBERS: In order to vote we must receive your completed membership form and fees by Monday, August 29, 2022.
RETURNING MEMBERS: You may submit your membership renewal forms/fees prior to or at the meeting.
Contact Naiomi at nnarcisian@hivaidsconnection.ca with any questions, concerns or to submit membership forms.
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As an organization, we continue to acknowledge the harmful legacy and ongoing impact of atrocities committed against Indigenous communities. On September 30, we honour the children, survivors, families and communities affected by the residential school system.
This is the second year that September 30 has been designated a federal statutory holiday. RHAC will be closed on September 30, 2022.
Here are some actions you can consider taking today (and everyday):
- Wear orange, in solidarity, to honour the experiences of the children, survivors, families and communities affected by residential schools. Visit orangeshirtday.org to learn more.
- Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
- Listen to the stories and experiences of residential school survivors, including books and media by Indigenous artists, authors and creators.
- Donate to Indigenous-led causes, like Atlohsa Family Healing Services.
- Acknowledge and learn more about the traditional territories you are living and working on. To get started, visit:
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-first-nations-maps, or
- https://native-land.ca, or
- https://www.caut.ca/content/guide-acknowledging-first-peoples-traditional-territory.
JOB POSTING: Program Project Coordinator (Contract)
The HUB is a joint initiative created in partnership with London Cares Homelessness Response Services, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Hospitality Centre. The HUB is a new, growing initiative that is anchored in shared values of dignity, deep hospitality, inclusion, persistence, and hope. London Cares is seeking a Program Project Coordinator to join our team in a full-time capacity working Monday to Friday, working weekends and holidays only when necessary. This role is currently a contract position with an end date of August 1, 2023. See the full job posting here:
- Program Project Coordinator (London Cares Homeless Response Services)
Apply to Join the Board of Directors at Regional HIV/AIDS Connection
Prospective board members are asked to submit their resume and letter of interest to hr@hivaidsconnection.ca. by August 10, 2022 @ 4:00pm. Learn more here.
Applicants whose skills match RHAC’s present Board recruitment needs are selected and invited to participate in an interview with the nominating committee. Successful candidates are then put forward for nomination approval and election (two-year terms) by the Membership at our Annual General Meeting, held in September. RHAC Board Members can serve up to 3 consecutive, two-year terms. Time commitment is 4-5 hours per month plus committee work.
For the most up to date information on monkeypox and local vaccination clinics, visit: gmsh.ca/monkeypox
LONDON
The Middlesex-London Health Unit will be hosting vaccination clinics for people who may be at highest risk of being exposed to monkeypox. No appointment and no health card required.
• Friday, July 15: Club London (722 York Street), 11 AM–1 PM.
• Thursday, July 21: Club London (722 York Street), 5–8 PM.
• Saturday, July 23: Pride London Festival (Main Tent, Victoria Park), 2–6 PM.
• Sunday, July 24: Pride London Festival (Main Tent, Victoria Park), 2–6 PM.
ST. THOMAS
Southwestern Public Health will be hosting vaccination clinics for people who may be at highest risk of being exposed to monkeypox in St. Thomas:
- Thursday, July 14: Southwestern Public Health (1230 Talbot St.), 9 AM–3 PM.
- Thursday, July 21: Southwestern Public Health (1230 Talbot St.), 9 AM–3 PM.
Woodstock
Southwestern Public Health will be hosting vaccination clinics for people who may be at highest risk of being exposed to monkeypox in Woodstock:
- Friday, July 15: Southwestern Public Health (410 Buller St.), 9 AM–3 PM.
- Friday, July 22: Southwestern Public Health (410 Buller St.), 9 AM–3 PM.
Vaccine Eligiblity
Based on Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines, monkeypox vaccination clinics are intended for:
• Individuals who are 18 years of age and older, trans or cis-gender individuals who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual & other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community, AND at least one of the following:
• Identified as a contact of someone who recently tested positive for monkeypox, OR
• Had two or more sexual partners within the last 21 days, or may be planning to, OR
• Diagnosed with a chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis infection in the past two months, OR
• Attended bath houses, sex clubs and other venues for sexual contact within the last 21 days. This includes workers & volunteers, OR
• Had anonymous/casual sex in the last 21 days, for example using an online dating or hookup app, engaging, or planning to engage, in sex work.
NOTE:
- If you get the COVID-19 vaccine, wait 24 hours to get the monkeypox vaccine.
- If you get the monkeypox vaccine, wait 28 days to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC), London Intercommunity Health Centre (LIHC) and Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) are holding a Virtual Community Update Meeting on Thursday, May 26 from 2-4 PM with interested residents/businesses residing and operating within proximity of the Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service (which will operate at 446 York Street). Registration is required. Please register to attend the meeting via Zoom here.
To read the full invitation, click here.