With the federal government set to halt funding for hotel stays for asylum seekers soon, Ottawa residents and community groups are stepping in to assist their neighbors in finding stable housing as the deadline approaches.
Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi, an asylum seeker from Ghana leading a ministry for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers at Kitchissippi United Church, expressed the fear and anxiety among asylum seekers facing imminent relocation due to the end of funding for hotel rooms by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on September 30.
Fobi and a team of volunteers have been actively helping a group of 20 asylum seekers who are part of the church community in securing stable accommodations after being displaced from IRCC-funded rooms. The uncertainty of potentially being relocated to other regions in Canada has left many asylum seekers distressed, with concerns about being left without shelter.
Despite IRCC’s assurances of aiding individuals currently in hotels to find long-term housing solutions before the program concludes, advocates have raised concerns about the lack of local options for families in Ottawa, where shelter capacities are strained, and authorities are encouraging claimants to consider relocating to different provinces such as the Maritimes.
Community members like Denise Bonomo have taken it upon themselves to assist asylum seekers in navigating the housing market by providing practical support such as transportation, negotiating with landlords, and acting as references to facilitate the search for suitable rental accommodations within budget constraints.
While progress has been made in securing housing for some families, challenges persist, particularly for individuals with limited employment history and credit records in Canada. The Kitchissippi church community remains committed to its humanitarian efforts, driven by the principles of hospitality and social justice.
Further support comes from local organizations like Matthew House in Kanata, which not only helps asylum seekers furnish their new homes but also offers temporary housing for single individuals awaiting more permanent arrangements. Calls are made for a coordinated effort involving government agencies, community groups, and investments in sustainable housing to address the needs of vulnerable populations effectively.
As the September 30 deadline looms, various residents and organizations are rallying to provide assistance to asylum seekers facing housing insecurities, emphasizing the necessity of collective action to ensure the well-being of those in need during this critical period.