Resettlement is a multi-faceted task that will be a bit different for each sponsor and each refugee family. The basic elements of resettlement include:
- Meeting the refugees upon arrival
- Providing housing, basic furniture, and other household necessities (these items can be donated or thrifted)
- Assisting the refugees in acquiring:
- food
- clothing and shoes
- hygiene products and other personal items
- transportation
- Assisting the refugees with various tasks including:
- enrolling in ESL classes
- registering for health care
- registering for banking services
- seeking employment
- enrolling children in school
- adjusting to life in Canada
- Providing financial assistance and support for one year. Your coordinator will provide an estimate for the cost. This support includes:
- helping the refugees set up a bank account
- providing funds to them when they arrive and each month for 12 months
- assisting them in making a budget
- teaching them how to use Canadian payment methods (debit, cash, credit, etransfer, etc.)
When the refugees arrive in Canada, they should be given some items to help them begin their life in Canada. This will include some money for household items/utility deposits/phones/rent, as well as furniture, linens, food staples, clothing, winter gear and more. Churches are encouraged to collect donated items to keep the costs of sponsorship as low as possible. If housing is available for a reduced cost, that is also a blessing to the newcomers.
The remaining funds for the sponsorship will be given to the newcomers in monthly disbursals.
If the newcomers are fluent in English or French, and are able to obtain work in a short time, it may be possible to adjust the amount of financial support required. Please contact your coordinator before making any changes.
For more information on the resettlement aspect of sponsorship, please reach out to a coordinator.