Inasmuch Community Society

“Compelled by God’s love, we advocate for and empower refugee claimants by providing physical, emotional and community support as they seek to rebuild their lives in Canada.”

Having fled because their lives were in imminent danger, refugee claimants leave behind their family, friends, careers, status and everything familiar. Most will never return home.

Seeking asylum in Canada, with just what they can carry, most have exhausted their resources to get here and have little to no money left, little or no knowledge of how to navigate the refugee/ immigration system, and speak little to no English.

Refugee Claimants need our help!

Who is a refugee claimant?

A person seeking refugee protection by claiming asylum at a Canadian port of entry is called a refugee claimant or asylum seeker.

The refugee claimant will not be considered a convention refugee until their case has been decided and they are granted permission to stay in Canada. If granted permission to stay in Canada, a refugee claimant’s immigration will change to being called a protected person, and can then apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship in Canada.

The Canadian government defines a convention refugee as:

A person who, by reason of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion,

(a) is outside each of their countries of nationality and is unable or, by reason of that fear, unwilling to avail themself of the protection of each of those countries; or

(b) not having a country of nationality, is outside the country of their former habitual residence and is unable or, by reason of that fear, unwilling to return to that country.

 Read below to learn more about the different types of Refugees and the challenges that Refugee Claimants are faced with today.

Testimonials

  • “Having our own shelter space, food on the table, and emotional and physical support at Inasmuch has given us the confidence and conviction that there is a better tomorrow.

    We will always cherish Inasmuch as our home.”

    -Refugee claimant

  • “Inasmuch helped me and my husband to find love, hope, and family again, after leaving our families. We have an amazing family here which we feel deeply and that made us to be happy and feel secure with our new life.”

    -Refugee claimant from the Middle East

  • “The process of becoming a refugee in Canada is complex and overwhelming but the Inasmuch team tremendously reduced this burden by providing me the necessary spiritual, financial, and social support.

    Inasmuch provided me a house, food, clothing. They gave me useful information about other community and government resources that are available for refugee claimants. Inasmuch was home and a true blessing for me. I came across some beautiful people from around the world. The love, food, fun, and warmth I experienced made Inasmuch a terrific home.

    The experience I had in Inasmuch was a perfect introduction to true Canadian hospitality and I will forever remain grateful.“

    -Resident from Central Africa

  • “Suddenly God sends someone to help you by providing a place to stay, three meals a day, transportation to follow your case for refugee claim.”

    “This is Inasmuch… I call it angel - the blessed place; taking care for you more than your family, booking a doctor’s appointment for you if you needed, every day watching you and asking: “How do you feel? Are you ok? Don’t need anything?” Getting your papers for work, finding you a job, helping you to get a place for rent, asking friends to furnish your home.”

    -Resident from the Middle East

  • “Inasmuch has tirelessly helped me with my application process, my medical needs, transportation, getting a BC driver's license and, most importantly, the certainty that Inasmuch will unequivocally help me and treat as a human being, rather than as a "client" or a number. Also, I was very impressed by how professional, resourceful, and punctual the Inasmuch team are.

    Now, I no longer feel alone in Canada. In fact, I feel that Inasmuch cares about me and will help me with my settlement process in my new country, Canada. Thank you so very much Inasmuch.”

    -Resident from a war-torn country