June - Watching God at Work

Over the past several weeks, many individuals in our transition housing programs have been experiencing extended waits for income assistance and work permits. During this time, we have continued providing additional support for essential needs, including groceries and housing-related supports, to ensure residents remain safe, housed, and cared for during a critical season of transition.

In the past month alone, these unexpected expenses totaled approximately $4,500 for five individuals who currently have no other means of income or support. As these costs continued to grow beyond our regular program budget, we were reminded how deeply we depend on God’s provision through the generosity and care of our community.

This month, we experienced that provision in a tangible and timely way through our Soup and Bun fundraiser at Broadway MB Church in Chilliwack. By the end of the fundraiser, $4,600 had been raised, exceeding what we anticipated and fully covering the additional costs we had incurred.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, attended, and prayed. Moments like these remind us that God continues to provide, often above and beyond what we expect, through people who are willing to serve generously and care faithfully for one another.

What made the evening especially meaningful was not only the generosity of those who gave, but also the involvement of ten current and former residents who volunteered their time to serve soup, welcome guests, and help the event run smoothly. Watching individuals who have themselves been supported by the community step into an opportunity to give back was a powerful reflection of resiliency. Their warmth, professionalism, and willingness to serve helped create an atmosphere of genuine community throughout the event.

Honouring World Refugee Day

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Every year on June 20, the world recognizes World Refugee Day, a day that honours the strength, resilience, and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety.Behind every statistic is a human story a parent seeking stability for their children, a family rebuilding after loss, or someone arriving in a new country carrying both uncertainty and hope.For refugees, community can make all the difference. Support from staff, volunteers, residents, local organizations, and community partners provides not only practical help, but also connection, belonging, and encouragement during the challenges of resettlement.

World Refugee Day is a call to recognize that everyone has a role in making a new home feel like home, even in the face of immense adversity.

Over the past months, through employment support, housing connections, settlement services, and community partnerships, we have witnessed the impact that support and "coming alongside" can have on a person’s ability to move forward. 

Sometimes the most meaningful change begins with something simple: 

• A welcoming conversation  

• An opportunity to gain work experience  

• A safe place to live  

•  A community willing to walk alongside someone as they rebuild  

These moments create more than support systems, they create belonging. 

World Refugee Day reminds us that welcoming newcomers is never the work of one person, organization, donor, or volunteer alone. It is made possible by employers who open doors, volunteers who give their time, faith communities that offer support, and individuals who choose compassion and connection. 

To everyone who has partnered with us, supported our programs, attended our events, or contributed in ways both large and small: thank you. Your support helps create opportunities for people not only to survive, but to flourish in their lives here in Canada. 

Together, we can continue creating spaces of hope, dignity, and belonging.