Ottawa residents and community groups are stepping up to help asylum seekers find housing ahead of the federal government’s Sept. 30 deadline to end hotel funding.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed it was housing 136 asylum claimants in one Ottawa hotel earlier this month but said support would end this week. The move has left families scrambling, with shelters already over capacity.
Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi, himself an asylum seeker from Ghana, said the deadline has left many fearful. “They are feeling very, very afraid. Children ask if they will end up on the street,” he said.
At Kitchissippi United Church, volunteers are driving families to viewings, negotiating with landlords, and even furnishing apartments. Still, many struggle, especially single parents with children, due to lack of credit history and references.
Denise Bonomo, chair of council at the church, said: “Our hearts really ache for the people going through this. Landlords don’t want to take a risk, which leaves families vulnerable.”
Other groups, like Matthew House, are also providing furniture and temporary housing. Executive director Kailee Brennan said families should not be left in limbo: “Uncertainty is deeply unfair. Everybody in our community belongs.”
Despite community efforts, advocates warn many families still face an uncertain future. Fobi issued a plea: “We are making a compassionate appeal to government, NGOs, and the good people of Ottawa — come to our help.”
