Our Mission
To serve and promote the well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) community and persons at risk and/or affected by HIV through education, support services, quality housing, and advocacy.
Every day, CANAPI helps empower LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS to live safe, healthy, and joyful lives by providing access to the kinds of support and resources they need most.
Through education, outreach, advocacy, and support services we’re building a safer, more inclusive community, free from shame and stigma.
"In the last 4 years my family and I have generously received financial aid from your organization. This has been vital to keeping us from being homeless. Life sometimes throws a lot of obstacles in your path and it is very special to have someone to help you to clear those obstacles. I can't thank you enough."
— current CANAPI client
Our Vision
To empower an inclusive community through education, awareness and outreach while eliminating stigma and HIV transmission.
We're building a better world by building a better community.
We believe LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS deserve to live in safe, uplifting communities—free from stigma, harassment, violence, and discrimination.
So, we’re working to reduce HIV transmission, LGBTQ+ homelessness, violence, and harassment and discrimination, while increasing access to healthcare, quality housing, educational opportunities, and empowering community spaces.
When LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS have the tools and resources they need to live safe, independent, healthy, and joyful lives, they’re able to thrive.
Every day, we move closer to that vision in our own community through education, awareness, and outreach. Up next? The world.
History
As people living with HIV began experiencing increased lifespans, they also experienced a dire need for special housing and support services.
Health care providers, social service agencies, AIDS organizations, and the Department of Public Health took notice, and in 1990, convened to create the Summit AIDS Housing Corporation.
In August of 1996, the Summit AIDS Housing Corporation (SAHC) and the Northeast Ohio Task Force on AIDS (NEOTFA) merged to form the Community AIDS Network.
The Akron Pride Center was founded in 1998, in an effort to advocate for the well-being of LGBTQ+ people in the greater Akron area. In 2010, the Akron Pride Center and the Community AIDS network merged to form CANAPI (Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative).
Since then, we've been working hard every day to support and empower LGBTQ+ people and people at risk or living with HIV.