The Need for Transition Housing and Employment
Tia the Terrier
The Need for Transition Housing and Employment
Written By Inasmuch Community Society
"I need a job so badly." Sebastien, Rwanda (name changed)
This is a frequent stressor that we hear at Inasmuch. After traumatic upheaval and fleeing from their home, refugee claimants arrive to our country and claim asylum. Our government is compassionate and allows them to find safety here in Canada. But their journey is far from complete. Many barriers await...
How does Inasmuch help refugee claimants?
Inasmuch selects vulnerable families, couples and individuals who are on long waiting lists and provides wrap-around services:
safe, affordable housing
donated produce, grains and protein
access to seasonal outdoor clothing
community and friendship
rides to immigration appointments in Vancouver
help accessing education and health care
settlement support resources
Inasmuch is the only provider of transition housing for refugee claimants in the entire Fraser Valley.
Transition housing is temporary housing in which residents may or may not have their own bedroom and share amenities like bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and washing machines/dryers etc.
Inasmuch is currently providing transition housing for 12 people in Abbotsford and 6 people in Chilliwack. 10 of the 18 are children.
Our houses are undisclosed locations for the safety of residents.
Residents live in our safe houses for 3-6 months. When the time comes to move into their own place, Inasmuch and our partners provide free furniture, linens and housewares. We rent a moving truck and help them move into their new home. But as you know, rent and ongoing costs are expensive. Employment is crucial.
What employment barriers exist for refugee claimants?
So many!
English is the primary one. Inasmuch partners with Sevenoaks Alliance Church to provide ESL (Power of Partnership). There are few jobs one can do without basic proficiency in English.
Credentials: Many professionals from other countries learn quickly that their qualifications are not recognized here.
Canadian experience: Many employers reject newcomers based on their lack of cultural familiarity and roles/references here in Canada. This is a tough one to overcome! How can one then gain Canadian experience?
Work permits: waiting longer than other types of newcomers to receive their work permits, it can take months before refugee claimants obtain a work permit.
Why hire a refugee claimant?
Many are resilient, tenacious and have a strong work ethic.
Studies show they have lower turnover/attrition and higher retention rates
They can offer culturally diverse perspectives and solutions in the workplace.
1 in 5 Canadians self-identify as immigrants. Refugees can build solid connections with your customers.
Give a rare opportunity to someone who might not otherwise get the chance to succeed.
Check out this article from UNHCR Canada on stats regarding refugees in Canada and contribution to the Canadian economy.
There are many ways you can help and support!
Donate $75 for a refugee claimant to register for ESL classes. Click green button below.
Donate furnishings for someone's next home. We pick up items for free! Send photos of furniture to donations@inasmuch.ca
If you are an employer, consider hiring a newcomer. We can recommend reliable applicants.
Volunteer with us to befriend a resident. Local connections make a huge difference when seeking work.
Are there newcomers in your workplace? Reach out and get to know them. Offer to walk alongside.
Are you a realtor or know one? Many residents are skilled cleaners. Hire one for a move-out clean.
Click Here to donate $40 to cover ESL workbook for a student who can't pay
Currently in need of these items this week:
Blenders - 2
Coffee maker - 2
Iron - 2
Throw blanket - 5
TV - 2
Pots and pans - 2 full sets
Sheets (Twin, Double and Queen) - 4 sets of each
Quilts (Twin, Double and Queen) - 4 sets of each
Vacuum cleaners - 2
Please contact donations@inasmuch.ca to arrange drop off of items. Please state in the email which items you can donate.
Thank you for your donation of these items needed by our newest families arriving very soon.