Beyond Bending Tell You How
Canada is known for its humanitarian efforts, including its commitment to providing refuge to those fleeing persecution and violence in their home countries. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Canada resettled over 28,000 refugees in 2018, ranking as the fourth largest resettlement country in the world. However, resettling refugees is not just about providing them with a new home in a safe country, it also involves ensuring they have access to basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. In this article, we will discuss refugee housing in Canada, including the different types of housing available, the organizations responsible for providing housing, and the challenges faced by refugees when it comes to finding suitable housing.
Types of Refugee Housing
When refugees arrive in Canada, they are typically housed in temporary accommodation until they are able to find more permanent housing. The type of temporary accommodation provided varies depending on the province and city. Some of the most common types of temporary accommodation include:
Hotels and Motels
In some cases, refugees may be housed in hotels or motels for a short period of time. This is often the case if there is a shortage of other types of temporary accommodation or if the refugee family has specific needs that cannot be met in a shelter or other shared accommodation.
Shelters
Shelters provide temporary accommodation for refugees who are unable to find other housing options. Shelters are often run by non-profit organizations, and may be gender-specific or family-friendly. While shelters provide a safe and secure place for refugees to stay, they are often overcrowded and may not provide the privacy and comfort that refugees need.
Private Sponsorship
Private sponsorship is when a group of individuals or an organization sponsors a refugee family to come to Canada. The sponsor is responsible for providing the family with housing, food, and other basic needs for the first year after their arrival in Canada. Private sponsorship can be a great way for refugees to find housing quickly, as the sponsor is often able to find suitable housing before the family arrives in Canada.
Government-Sponsored Refugees
Government-sponsored refugees are refugees who are selected by the Canadian government and provided with resettlement services, including housing, for up to one year after their arrival in Canada. Government-sponsored refugees are typically housed in apartments or other types of permanent housing.
Permanent Housing
Permanent housing is the goal for all refugees who come to Canada. Permanent housing includes rental apartments, townhouses, and houses. Refugees who are unable to find housing on their own may be eligible for social housing, which is subsidized by the government.
Organizations Responsible for Providing Refugee Housing
There are several organizations that are responsible for providing housing to refugees in Canada. These organizations work together to ensure that refugees have access to safe and affordable housing.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
The IRCC is responsible for the overall resettlement of refugees in Canada. This includes providing funding to organizations that provide resettlement services, including housing.
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
The RAP is a program run by the IRCC that provides financial support to refugees during their first year in Canada. This includes funding for housing, food, and other basic needs.
Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP)
The RSTP is a program run by the Catholic Crosscultural Services that provides training and support to private sponsorship groups. The RSTP helps private sponsors find suitable housing for the refugee family they are sponsoring.
Local Non-Profit Organizations
Local non-profit organizations are often responsible for providing temporary accommodation to refugees. These organizations may also provide support to refugees as they search for permanent housing.
Challenges Faced by Refugees when it comes to Housing
While the Canadian government and non-profit organizations work hard to provide refugees with safe and affordable housing, there are still many challenges that refugees face when it comes to finding suitable housing.
Cost of Housing
Housing costs in Canada can be very high, especially in large cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Refugees who are unable to find affordable housing may struggle to make ends meet.
Language Barriers
Many refugees who come to Canada do not speak English or French, which can make it difficult for them to find housing. It can be challenging to communicate with landlords and navigate the rental market without language skills.
Discrimination
Refugees may face discrimination when it comes to finding housing. Landlords may be hesitant to rent to refugees because of their ethnicity, religion, or refugee status.
Lack of Support
Refugees who are new to Canada may not have the support network they need to find suitable housing. They may not know where to look for housing or how to navigate the rental market.
People Also Ask
How long do refugees stay in temporary accommodation?
The length of time refugees stay in temporary accommodation varies depending on their situation. Some refugees may only stay in temporary accommodation for a few days or weeks, while others may stay for several months.
Are refugees required to pay rent?
Refugees are required to pay rent if they are living in private rental accommodation. However, refugees who are unable to afford rent may be eligible for social housing, which is subsidized by the government.
Are refugees allowed to own property?
Yes, refugees are allowed to own property in Canada. However, owning property may not be a realistic option for many refugees, especially in the early stages of resettlement when they may not have the financial means to purchase a home.
Conclusion
Refugee housing in Canada is an important issue that requires collaboration between the government, non-profit organizations, and private citizens. While there are still many challenges that refugees face when it comes to finding suitable housing, there are also many organizations that are working hard to provide refugees with the support they need to succeed in their new home. By continuing to support refugees and provide them with safe and affordable housing, Canada can continue to be a leader in refugee resettlement around the world.
