Refugees new to Niagara love to STAY in Niagara!

Hi my name is Ola, After thousands of refugees were kept in Niagara Falls only a small group remain. Many were sent to other provinces and cities without much choice. Those who wish to stay in Niagara have limited time until they are left unhoused or sent to another city or province to start over once again. They have to leave the hotels by July 31st and decide what they want to do- if we can even call this a choice. The wait to obtain a working permit or secure paperwork has been so extensive that most do not have it available to them as of yet after almost a year of working towards their goal of obtaining employment and staying in Niagara.

We need community engagement and partnership to ensure that those wishing to stay in Niagara are given an opportunity to do so. They have spent many months trying to secure paperwork to stay in Niagara and Ontario. As we know, navigating the system; whether it be the transit system or the healthcare system is challenging to residents here, let alone someone new to Canada who does not speak the language. We need to create a diverse and accepting city and region for all individuals and families to feel supported. Please do your part in understanding how challenging and difficult their situations are at this time and have been for a long time and support refugees in Niagara. A little will go a long way and we appreciate all of your contributions. These money will be used in getting a temporay housing for them to stay untill they have a place to stay.