We need your help! We need host homes.
Statistics Canada reported that as of April 1, 2024, the Calgary/Banff region is approximately 2 million, and has increased by about 100,000 people per year over the past two years, with more than 60% of the growth representing newcomers to Canada. However, the local housing supply has not kept pace with demand.
As a result, many refugees are living in temporary shelters or on the streets. Escaping these situations in an expensive housing market while also dealing with unfamiliar local practices, language barriers, and often lacking a source of income can make it extremely difficult for them to achieve self-sustainability.
Host homes are a vital component of the resettlement process for refugees in Calgary. By providing shelter, emotional support, cultural exchange, and community connections, host homes create a solid foundation for refugees to transition successfully into their new lives.
Host homes can assist individuals on their journey toward self-sustainability. A host home typically offers temporary accommodation in private residences, ranging from a few nights to up to 30 days. This arrangement is a critical bridge for refugees searching for stable, long-term housing.
Host homes also steer people away from shelters and the problems that may arise when temporary shelter becomes a permanent life reality.
By providing an up to 30-day stay, host homes give refugees the necessary time to secure more permanent housing solutions. When host homes serve as a stable base in a refugee's life, the transition into their new circumstances becomes more sustainable and focused on achieving self-sustainability. This allows individuals to concentrate on settling in, finding employment, and forming community connections.
Consider offering your spare rooms, a basement, or any vacant property as a host home to help refugees start their journey toward self-sustainability in Canada. Contact Nataliia Shen at n.shen@centrefornewcomers.ca for details.
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