Searching for Refugees

Online tool for individuals who wish to offer lodging to refugees

• organization reviews the application and then pass it on to a local settlement organization, who will find a match
• volunteers welcome

Support to refugee claimants in Canada and abroad

• legal, crisis intervention and emotional support
• weekly support group
• Network of Iranian Queer HIV/AIDS Program, info@niqha.net -- education and support to people with HIV/AIDS and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
• SHER Fund, Safe House and Emergency Relief for LGBT refugees residing in Turkey to pay living expenses
• Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Iran Program -- support to parents and families of LGBT individuals
• information and referral
• newsletter, magazine

Short term emergency shelter, capacity 209

• crisis intervention and counselling
• case management
• child advocacy
• child care and children's program
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner, assistance with housing search and application process

COVID19 Virtual and in-person supports available


Multi-service agency, including outreach assistance, telephone support and harm reduction supplies; referrals to food, legal and counselling; peer support counselling; arts and recreation seminars and events

Crisis Peer Supports
Includes family violence and child welfare supports; senior supports and referrals; culturally appropriate intervention program for at-risk youth and families; referrals to legal and medical services

Toronto Downtown East (DTE) Outreach Services
Access to harm reduction supplies, services, supports and referrals, 4 days a week in Toronto Downtown East; call 416-518-4824 or email harmreduction@equitablenow.ca; note that the front-line harm reduction outreach team is in the field and might not return calls immediately

Housing Supports
Advocacy and assistance in finding housing, shelter and food access services

Immigration
Settlement services and support, including orientation, advocacy and community support letters, crisis peer support; translation, interpretation, and referrals for immigration and sponsorship issues

Employment
Assistance in job search, resume writing, interview preparation, mentorship; employment training and education development; peer support for individuals experiencing long-term unemployment

Bilingual program that facilitates settlement of newcomers to Ontario

• provides newcomers with free online and in-person information/orientation about settling in Ontario, and connects them to community services
• informational workshops take place in-person at settlement agencies across the province and/or online via webinars.
• online resources also available for free 24/7 at the O2O website.

Coordinated by COSTI Immigrant Services and jointly funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Province of Ontario.

Long-term transitional housing, including trauma counselling, basic needs and essential support to re-establish independence; also settlement services, and information and referral on legal aid, immigration, social assistance

• capacity 7

Case management and programming in partnership with Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto, see separate listing

Represents refugee claimants at hearings before the Immigration and Refugee Board, and on applications to the Federal Court

• claimants must obtain Legal Aid certificate
• lawyer and paralegal assigned to each case

COVID19 -- call or visit website for current information irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/stay-connected/Pages/covid-19-irb-operations.aspx



Refugee Protection Division: panel determines refugee claims, for more detailed information, click irb.gc.ca/en/applying-refugee-protection/Pages/index.aspx

• appeals of negative decisions may be heard at Refugee Appeal Board or other bodies, for more information, click irb.gc.ca/en/filing-refugee-appeal/Pages/index.aspx

Immigration Appeal Division: hears appeals on immigration-related matters including sponsorships, removal orders, and residency obligations, for more information click irb.gc.ca/en/making-immigration-appeal/Pages/index.aspx

Detention Reviews and Admissibility Hearings: detention reviews and admissibility hearings conducted for persons believed to be inadmissible or removable from Canada; located at 385 Rexdale Blvd, 1-833-222-0408; for more information, click irb.gc.ca/en/detention-hearings/Pages/index.aspx

COVID19 -- Contact for details on in-person service changes and enhanced safety measures; call Muhaari A. Director of Programs & Services at 416-831-9729 or email a.muhaari@black-cap.com for support and information.


HIV/AIDS education, prevention and support, including information on HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infections) risk, sexual health and healthy relationships, and harm reduction

• community-based prevention programs for youth, women, and gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, trans and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
• community workshops, forums, outreach, training for professionals and organizations, and culturally specific materials
• volunteer opportunities

Support Programs
Counselling and support for Black people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, including referrals and follow-up, as well as child care and emergency financial assistance for eligible clients

• practical assistance
• home and hospital visits
• treatment, support groups
• housing and employment support
• youth program

Settlement Program
Counselling and support, needs assessment, outreach and prevention for Black, African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees, including LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) individuals

• orientation
• information and referrals to community services
• assistance in accessing services
• assistance in finding a doctor and living with treatment
• assistance with immigration system
• form and documentation completion
• housing and employment help
• interpretation and translation
• social opportunities and networking

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

Social Services

• women and girls empowerment programs
• employment and support programs
• community workshops

Language training and settlement services -- assistance to immigrants and newcomers including

• settlement services and referrals
• guidance in form filling
• citizenship test classes

Seniors services

• advocacy, supportive counselling, income tax clinic
• fitness and cultural activities
• seniors' digital connection and technology clinic

Recreational facilities and programs

• fully equipment fitness centre
• swimming lessons, aquafit and other aquatic programs
• youth programs and after school activities
• community events including annual Grange Festival

Childrens programs

• afterschool program
• children's day camp during spring, summer and summer breaks

Music and arts programs

• leaders in training program
• youth council

Licensed child care

COVID19 -- all appointments by phone or video chat, no in-person services; call for appointment

Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Services

• assistance with applications for citizenship, passports and protected person travel documents
• help with spouse, common-law partner and child sponsorship applications
• refugee system navigation and related procedures such as work/study permits, permanent resident applications as protected person/Convention refugee
• assistance with applications to become permanent resident based on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds
• help with permanent resident card and other Canadian identification forms
• assistance with study permit renewal and work permit applications for international students; information about pathway to become permanent residents
• help for migrant workers such as work permit assistance for vulnerable people

Online English classes and conversation circles

Community Resources

• assessment, information and referral to food programs, clothing and furniture banks, employment centres, schools and education resources, health centres
• assistance with applications for government programs such as Ontario Works, Employment Insurance, Legal Aid, transitional and subsidized housing

Spiritual Care

• provided through chaplain - referral and resources for religious communities, one-on-one spiritual counselling, and for ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and blessings

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support
Confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services

• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment
• contact for information on available languages

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
Specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning

• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training
Includes English as a Second Language (ESL), computer classes, citizenship preparation classes

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

• National Trauma Informed Care Program

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, telephone and virtual supports and services, call 416-977-1333 or visit website for information

Case management services include mental health symptoms management, assistance finding housing and accessing community resources, social skills and community living skills improvement

Supportive housing services:
Cooperative living arrangements in 7 downtown Toronto houses, includes single rooms, staff support and shared responsibility for meal preparation, shopping, and housekeeping

On-site high support services in 20 bachelor units for patients transitioning from hospital to community, in partnership with Centre for addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Medium support in bachelor and one-bedroom units for clients who are able to live independently, in partnership with Mainstay Housing and St Clare's Multifaith Housing Society

Pathways to Homes Program
Includes on-site high support for long-term shelter system users with complex mental health and/or developmental disabilities, and physical health challenges, in partnership with City of Toronto, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA)

RISE (Recovery During Immigration and Settlement) -- short term mental health case management

• individual counselling and support
• peer support
• workshops including orientation to Canadian health care system, community programming, social assistance, employment and support services
• social and recreational activities to promote integration

COVID19 -- all services offered in-person

Settlement Services

• counselling, individual or group integration and orientation assistance
• information and referral in the areas of training and education, legal assistance, health care, housing, interpretation, translation
• form filling
• employment program
• English conversation circle

Employment Services

• online job postings
• hiring events and job placement
• pre-employment workshops
• food handler certification course for qualified applicants
• Better Jobs Ontario, Youth Job Connection, see separate listing

COVID19 -- Call for appointment; some services virtual, call for details


Primary care for newly arrived refugees including:

• diagnosis and management of acute medical issues; referrals to specialists when necessary
• annual health exams
• management of chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension
• preventative care
• full primary care for children including immunizations
• pregnancy care
• family planning advice
• health education

After two years, clinic staff will help patients to connect with a family physician near their home

HIV/AIDS prevention and support services

• sexual health education, health promotion workshops
• one-on-one support, support groups, referral
• form filling, settlement services, interpretation and translation
• Transpower Project - empowering trans people
• customized workshops on HIV/AIDS prevention, anti-homophobia
• capacity building and training

SAFE Program - non-judgemental check-in service for personal security, www.asaap.ca/safeprogram for more information

COVID19 -- agency prefers that people call or email ahead for appointment; for service updates call or visit website

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HIV/AIDS Education and Support Programs

• buddy and practical assistance
• HIV/STI testing and treatment information
• confidential individual counselling, referrals, case management, peer support groups
• health promotion; women's program
• settlement services and supports for international students and people on work permits

LGBTQ+ Outreach

• For youth, gay men, women, non-binary individuals at-risk
• SLAM (Sex Love Asian Men)
• SHIMMER trans women's program
• Women's (and non-binary) Education and Outreach Program
• Queer Asian Youth (QAY) outreach, recreation and workshops including When You're Ready

Resource centre and culturally specific materials, research projects, volunteer program

Programs and services that help the immigrant community find opportunities, put down roots and establish networks for successful integration into Canadian society.

Focuses on youth, adults, older adults, low-income families, and at-risk women, with a focus on the Asian immigrant community especially Mainland Chinese immigrants in the GTA.

Settlement Services for Newcomers and International Students

• social services counselling
• information and referral
• outreach and cultural activities
• participates in CAP (Community Access Program) free Internet access

Youth Employment Services

• internships and summer jobs
• volunteer positions/placement positions
• job skills workshops, including resumes and interviewing skills
• networking

Seniors Services

• educational programs
• social activities
• referral to government services
• form filling

Cultural Events/Activities

• celebration of cultural traditions - dancing, singing, drums and musical entertainment
• Lunar New Year, summer, autumn celebrations (for youth, adults, and older adults)
• Canada Day and Summer Holiday Events

Well-being Services

• workshops on wellbeing for adults and older adults
• Zoom online sessions with professional speakers
• support services

Some programs and services provided off-site

COVID19 -- all locations now open to the public, and services are now available in-person, via telephone, email and other online tools


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Assists newcomers to adapt to life in Canada

Settlement Services

• orientation and cultural transition counselling services
• information and referral
• translation and interpretation
  • on education, immigration, housing, transportation, children's benefit, taxation, employment, health care system, citizenship, senior's benefits, recreation

Language and Skills Training

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

Community Services

• programs for youth, seniors, and women
• EarlyON parenting program
• recreation activities, workshops and seminars, volunteer training program, and heritage program for children
• seasonal income tax clinic

Carrefour des Immigrants FrancoQueer (CIF)

• settlement and integration services
• information, orientation and reference
• information and orientation workshops
• help with refugee application process and follow up
• discussion groups and peer support, including matching with someone already settled
• social integration activities to adapt to Canadian life
• psychosocial support and crisis counselling

Provides support in accessing HIV medical care and medications, immigration services and other social services, as well as delivering practical support services

HIV Medical and Medication Access

• assists people living with HIV in getting connected to HIV medical care and HIV medications
• helps people access drug coverage through Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Trillium Drug Program and free drug coverage from pharmaceutical companies
• accompany clients to medical appointments to provide translation, support and advocacy
• financial assistance for medical and medication costs

Income Support

• help people living with HIV/AIDS access government assistance programs such as as OW, ODSP, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance
• provides financial assistance for health and wellness needs

Immigration Support

• assists people living with HIV/AIDS access immigration support, including getting a legal aid certificate, referrals to lawyers who specialize in HIV
• offers language support in languages such as Spanish, Swahili, Amharic and French
• accompanies people to their immigration/legal appointments to provide interpretation, support and advocacy
• helps clients complete immigration applications

Food Programs

• Essentials Market weekly food bank, including pet food (member of Daily Bread Food Bank)
• Food for Life: weekly meal delivery program and delivery of items from the Essentials Market

Other Support Programs

• information and referral to other services such as mental health, housing, employment and legal services
• pet programs including financial assistance for vet bills, pet food, referrals to vets with discounted services, low cost spay/neutering and foster program in partnership with the Toronto Humane Society, see separate listing
• free haircuts on-site
• harm reduction kits, including used equipment drop-off and safer sex supplies on-site

Complementary Therapies

• hosts on-site free massage and acupuncture clinics in partnership with local colleges

Educational and Cultural Groups

• offers the Hassle Free HIV+ Women's Group as well as the Golden Girls Group for HIV+ Women over 60
• provides educational workshops for people living with HIV around HIV disclosure, U=U and harm reduction
• Saturday Social Club - play games and socialize

Engagement and Volunteer Programs

• opportunities for community members to volunteer and/or become community mobilizers
• engagement/volunteer programs including POWER (Positive Women's Empowerment and Resiliency) program, Men's Health, PHA Patient Instructor health educator program, front desk, Essentials Market, delivery and Therapeutic Care

Short term emergency shelter, including meals, information and referral, settlement orientation, assistance with immigration procedures, housing search, life skills development, and in-house Health Clinic for residents

• capacity 60

Satellite Shelter
Short term emergency shelter at 250 Queen St E

• capacity 34 single men
• services and meals at main location

Outreach Program to refugees in shelters and follow-up service to clients who have moved into the community; Housing Stabilization program to ensure clients find the health care or financial supports they need to maintain housing

Transitional Housing Program
52 supportive housing units for clients needing longer term support up to 2 years

• single or shared accommodation
• coordinated, specialized supports to help residents integrate
• by referral from shelter

Youth Skills for Life
For refugees 16-24 years separated from their families, includes life skills, counselling and social activities to build support network and integrate into community

Integration

• integration pack includes settlement tools and workshops
• cultural skills training for francophone newcomers
• IKUEN community kitchen
• business English classes

Economic development

• entrepreneurship program, business acumen and economic development
• networking evenings
• luncheon meetings about employability
• counselling and mentoring
• information and referral