In the face of systemic marginalization and exclusion, Black community organizations have consistently stepped up to fill gaps and provide critical services.

Today, with COVID-19 disproportionately impacting Black people, locally and around the world, these organizations are more important than ever.

From advocating for equity in public health to ensuring essential goods, this is what solidarity and community uplift looks like.

Here’s the range of organizations providing supports that Black communities in Toronto, Ontario, and across Canada can rely on:

  1. Black Health Alliance: For various resources and wraparound services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit their website or call (647) 367-6656.

 

  1. Free Good Food Boxes for Black Families: FoodShare and Not Another Black Life is giving away 454 FREE GoodFood Boxes for Black families who are currently self-isolating in Toronto. Contact 416-363-6441 or [email protected].

 

  1. Black Creek Community Farm Emergency Food Box: Call 416-393-6381 for application.

 

  1. Emergency Food Support: Afri-Can FoodBasket is working to provide emergency food support to individuals and families within Black communities in Toronto who have been affected by COVID19 and are in need to support access to food. Call (416) 832-5639.

 

  1. Supports for Black Parents: Provides links to 10 programs supported by the Innovative Supports for Black Parents Initiative.

 

  1. Free Counselling Sessions for Black Parents: Offers support for women, children and families seeking support for mental health issues and opportunities for growth. Schedule your session online.

 

  1. Black Moms Connection Facebook Group: Connection with a founded-in-Toronto online global village of over 15,000 members and non-profits providing culturally relevant programs and resources to educate and empower the Black mother and her family.

 

  1. Caribbean African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN). In partnership with the Toronto District School Board, CAFCAN is providing mental health supports to children, youth and their families. They can be reached at 416-740-1056 or [email protected].

 

  1. Toronto For All: Offers Anti-Black Racism & mental health resources. https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/community/toronto-for-all/

 

  1. 8 Mental Health Practices: For people of African descent while isolated. https://davedoyen.medium.com/8-mental-health-practices-for-people-of-african-descent-while-isolated-75ad3449cedb

 

  1. COVID-19 GTA Black Community Emergency Support Fund: Black Lives Matter-Toronto will be giving out one time stipends of $125 or $250 to Black people through an online application process, depending on need (please self-assess). https://www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca/resources-2/Phone: 416-597-5831

 

  1. Centre francophone du Grand Toronto Mental Health Crisis Line (French only): Support line that provides culturally-appropriate mental health services for young people under 25. The support line is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 647-881-6761 or 647-268-2016.

 

  1. Housing Security for Black Tenants: Legal, social and financial information specifically for Black tenants to support them during this time. If you require legal advice and you believe you are being discriminated against because you are Black, please contact 1-877-736-9406 (toll-free), at 416-597-5831 or on the TTY Line: 1 800 855 0511.

 

  1. Black Legal Action Centre. A list of COVID-relevant resources for Black communities including: financial aid, housing, employment, family supports, emergency supports, legal aid, and mental health.

 

  1. Rights of Passage: Offers online programming specific to African-Canadian men and women, to explore, mature and grow into their full identity as young African-Canadians. Contact Paul Osbourne at 416-645-6000 ext. 2320.

 

  1. Kujistahi: The Kujistahi (self-respect) program provides culturally-relevant Black family programs for children, youth and parents. Kuji Kids is a space for Black parents and their children to play, laugh and learn, every Monday 10:30-12:30. For more information please contact 416.735.8376 or [email protected].

 

  1. SNAP (Stop Now And Plan): Offers free culturally-sensitive supports for children ages 6-11 and their families with a focus on those that identify as being of African descent in the following areas: boys/girls skill based groups, parent skill based groups, individual counseling and community connections, school advocacy/support and other interventions as needed. Contact [email protected]