Ottawa Residents and Organizations Race to House Asylum Seekers as Federal Funding Ends
As the federal government's funding for hotel stays for asylum seekers in Ottawa ended on September 30th, local residents and community organizations have stepped up to provide stable housing. With city shelters already full, these volunteers are working to find accommodation for families facing displacement.
The Looming Deadline and its Impact
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced it would end funding for hotel rooms on September 30th. As of mid-September, IRCC was housing 136 asylum claimants in a single Ottawa hotel. This sudden cutoff has left many asylum seekers feeling vulnerable and afraid, as described by Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi, an asylum seeker from Ghana who leads a ministry for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers at Kitchissippi United Church.
"When deadlines are approaching and you do not have anywhere to go, it's really ... scary," said Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi. "They are feeling very, very afraid."
Community Efforts to Provide Housing
Organizations like the Kitchissippi United Church and individuals such as Denise Bonomo are actively involved in finding housing for asylum seekers. Volunteers have been driving claimants, negotiating with landlords, and acting as references to secure rental accommodations within their budget. Bonomo drove a U-Haul truck full of furniture to help one asylum seeker settle into a new home.
Challenges in Securing Stable Housing
Despite their efforts, volunteers face significant hurdles in finding suitable housing. Landlords are often hesitant to rent to people with new jobs, no Canadian references, or no credit history in Canada. One group is currently seeking a home for a single mother with five children.
"Landlords don't want to take a risk on people who have new jobs ... who don't have references from Canada, who don't have credit histories in Canada," explained Denise Bonomo. "It really does leave our group of folks very vulnerable."
Matthew House Providing Essential Support
In Kanata, Matthew House, a local non-profit, has been providing essential furniture and temporary housing to asylum seekers. Kailee Brennan, executive director of Matthew House, highlighted the importance of making a house a home and emphasized the need for longer-term solutions involving various levels of government and community organizations.
"Families should not be left in limbo while government sorts out responsibilities," said Kailee Brennan. "That uncertainty is deeply unfair."
Government Response and Continued Need
The IRCC stated that it's sticking to its September 30th deadline and "working with partners to ensure claimants are getting all the necessary help to secure a housing solution." However, advocates say that at the last minute, many families still lack a safe place to live. A compassionate appeal is being made to the IRCC, other government bodies, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and the people of Ottawa for assistance.
According to the Yahoo news article, Kitchissippi United Church and other local volunteers are making a compassionate appeal to the IRCC, other government bodies, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and the people of Ottawa for assistance.
