Pathways to H.O.P.E.
Pathways to H.O.P.E. (Hearing, Observing, Planning, Empowering) is a peer-led needs assessment focused on newcomer women living with and affected by HIV in Toronto, including cis and trans women and nonbinary individuals relating to the experience who first arrived in Canada within the last 5 years. The initiative brings together lived experience and service provider perspectives to better understand gaps, barriers, and priorities in HIV care and support.
Through surveys, interviews, and data analysis, the project gathers insight to inform future programs, guide funding decisions, and strengthen HIV services so they are more equitable, culturally responsive, and responsive to community needs.
Why This Work Matters
Newcomer women living with HIV often face overlapping challenges related to gender, migration status, language, racism, stigma, and structural barriers within health and social services systems. These factors can negatively affect access to HIV care, resources and supports, while not always being reflected in existing HIV services.
Pathways to H.O.P.E. centers these voices, listening first, then planning forward, to shape care systems that better reflect and respond to the needs of newcomer women.
Project Scope
Over one year, Pathways to H.O.P.E. will:
- Peer Researchers will conduct a mixed-methods needs assessment with newcomer women and service providers across Toronto
- Develop a community-informed recommendation framework identifying priorities and actionable strategies to improve HIV care and support
- Deliver workshops to community organizations based on the community findings and recommendations