The Financial Assistance Fund (FAF) is open to people living with HIV and HIV Prevention Case Management clients in need. This is a donor-funded program at Ribbon Community.

Individuals are eligible for a maximum of $150 each year. Up to $250 is available to people with dependents.

FAF is only available after options, such as provincial, federal, or Status First Nations benefits are exhausted. It covers specific situations, such as:

    • Medical needs including prescription medications, mobility devices, etc., that are not covered by the health care system, benefits from the Ministry, or other public funding
    • Public transit, including the annual bus pass program for low-income seniors and/or replacement of a loss bus pass
    • Identification, including fees associated with getting or replacing personal identification (Status Cards, PR cards, BC Care Cards, birth certificates), changing a gender designation or name, and passports
    • Housing stability, including funds to avert an eviction, make a deposit payment for storage or market housing, pay rent arrears when there is an a plan to secure remaining funds, or prevent hydro or other services from being disconnected

New in 2024, the Financial Assistance Fund may also provide support for:

  • Gender-affirming care needs, not otherwise covered, including: packers, binders, and laser hair removal
  • Access to culture, including culturally-specific food, registration fees for cultural activities and/or programs, culturally-specific celebrations, culturally-specific clothing, cultural medicines and cultural material
  • Up to $50 towards phone bills, connection/set up fees or repairs, once per year, to a maximum of $50
  • Heightened nutritional requirements during pregnancy and postpartum (up to $150 per trimester and one $150 payment during postpartum)

Case Managers are available to complete an application for the Financial Assistance Fund during drop in hours or during appointments. Visit our office on the 4th floor at 1101 Seymour St. or call 604-893-2201 and ask to speak to a Case Manager.

People living with HIV and active clients with the HIV Prevention Case Management program may be eligible for this fund. Connect with a case manager by contacting Reception at [email protected], calling 604-893-2201, or coming by our 1101 Seymour St. office and speaking with a Drop-In Case Manager.  

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Last year, over 50 donors contributed nearly $8,000 to the Financial Assistance Fund, entirely funded by our generous donors. Keep the Financial Assistance Fund open to support and empower our communities by donating today.