As HIV-positive men age, a unique Vancouver program provides an ‘oasis’ for those who have lived through the worst days of AIDS

published on July 18, 2019 by Tessa Vikander, in The Star

VANCOUVER— Frederick Williams witnessed the worst of the AIDS crisis.

Diagnosed with HIV 33 years ago, Williams survived and went on to become a chef and then a harm-reduction workshop leader. But most of his friends weren’t so lucky, and they died from AIDS-related illnesses.

“I’ve gone through waves of friends,” the 55-year-old said. “In the 80s I lost all of my friends and then in the 90s I lost all of my friends again.”

On a Wednesday morning in July, Williams came to the Dr. Peter Centre for breakfast, like he does most days. He also brought his laundry from home and put it in the washing machine.

By day, the centre is a bustling hub for those living with HIV, and it provides free meals, counselling, massage therapy, a living room, music lessons and more.

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(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

© Copyright BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
St. Paul's Hospital 608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
Tel: 604-806-8477 | Fax: 604-806-9044
General inquiries: info@bccfe.ca
Media inquiries: communications@bccfe.ca
(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

Our work serves clients and communities across British Columbia on lands and waters cared for and nurtured by the many distinct First Nations across the province. The BC-CfE humbly and gratefully acknowledge the stewards of these lands, particularly the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) on whose unceded, traditional and ancestral territories our offices are located.