Why We Advocate
"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."
Inasmuch Purpose Statement
A Garage with Plywood Walls
Newcomers including Refugee Claimants are at high risk of being taken advantage of in the workplace, in their rental housing and on many other fronts. It takes a while to learn their rights in Canada regarding employment law, housing and tenancy.
Recently Amal, one of our Inasmuch residents, secured next housing after his 3-month stay at our transition home. He found a place on Facebook Marketplace and was granted a viewing. The landlord walked Amal through the front entrance of the house to the room for rent. Amal accepted the rental but when he moved in, he discovered he'd been tricked. The room was actually in the garage! He was told he needed to use a different entrance than originally shown. There were makeshift plywood walls, no insulation, no fire escape and illegal wiring. He lay awake all night in his cold room, disturbed by the sound of the garage door opening and closing. This landlord took advantage of a newcomer hoping he wouldn't know this was an illegal rental.
Safe housing is a right here in Canada. Friends from Amal's Inasmuch Community stepped up to advocate for him and to get his money back. They then helped him to find and move into better, safe accommodations. Part of the wrap around care we offer at Inasmuch is to advocate for vulnerable people who are in a new country and culture unaware of rules and guidelines. We stand up for them when others try to take advantage of them.
One resident said: "In my country no one ever does anything without expecting something in return. I'm so touched that you'd do this for me just to be kind."
Wrap your arms around a Refugee Claimant like Amal by becoming a monthly donor!
$50/month helps us provide the care needed to establish dignity and heal from trauma.