Housing for Refugees

Overview

Finding stable housing is one of the most critical challenges facing newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers. Housing provides security, stability, and a foundation for rebuilding your life in Canada. Understanding the available housing resources, programs, and support can help you transition from emergency shelter to permanent, affordable housing.

Canada has various programs and resources available to help refugees access housing, ranging from emergency temporary shelters to longer-term subsidized housing programs. Each province and municipality manages housing differently, so it is important to understand what is available in your area.

Temporary Shelters and Emergency Housing

When you first arrive in Canada and file your refugee claim, emergency shelter may be your first housing option. Different provinces and municipalities manage emergency shelter differently:

• Hotel/Motel Accommodation: IRCC may arrange hotel or motel accommodation for newly arrived refugees while they secure permanent housing. This is typically provided for a limited period (2-4 weeks).
• Refugee Reception Shelters: Some organizations operate shelters specifically for refugees and asylum seekers, providing short-term accommodation and assistance with housing search and settlement.
• General Homeless Shelters: If no refugee-specific shelter is available, you may be referred to general homeless shelters operated by municipalities or NGOs.
• Family Shelters: If you have children, you may be placed in family-specific shelters that provide more privacy and family-oriented services.

Emergency shelter is intended to be temporary. During this period, individuals typically begin searching for more permanent housing and connecting with settlement services that can assist them.

Transitional Housing Programs

Some provinces and municipalities offer transitional housing programs designed to bridge the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing. These programs typically provide:

• Accommodation in apartments or houses for a specified period (typically 3-6 months)
• Support services, including case management and assistance with employment and language training
• Subsidized or partially subsidized rent
• Help preparing for transition to permanent, independent housing

Transitional housing programs are valuable because they provide stability and time to secure permanent housing while also receiving support services. Availability of transitional housing varies by province; ask your settlement organization about programs in your area.

Finding Private Rental Housing

Most refugees eventually transition to private rental housing. This can be challenging due to financial constraints, language barriers, and discrimination. Here are practical steps to finding private rental housing:

• Look for Landlords Experienced with Refugees: Some landlords actively welcome refugee tenants and understand the challenges they face. Community organizations may have lists of refugee-friendly landlords.
• Use Online Platforms: Websites such as Craigslist, Kijiji, and Rentals.ca list rental properties. Be cautious of scams and only deal with reputable listings.
• Work with a Real Estate Agent: Some agents specialize in rental properties and may have access to listings not publicly advertised.
• Negotiate Payment Deposits: If you cannot afford a full security deposit upfront, some landlords may negotiate payment plans.
• Provide References: If you have been in transitional housing or emergency shelter, ask your case manager or shelter operator for a reference attesting to your reliability as a tenant.

When renting, read all lease agreements carefully and ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Provincial Housing Programs

Each province in Canada has housing support programs for refugees and low-income individuals. These may include:

• Subsidized Housing: Provincial housing programs may offer housing units with rent subsidized based on your income.
• Rent Supplements: Programs that provide supplements to help you afford private market rental housing.
• Housing First Programs: Some provinces prioritize immediate housing for homeless individuals, with support services provided after housing is secured.
• Housing Search Assistance: Settlement organizations may provide staff to help you search for housing, accompanying you to viewings and helping with applications.

Local settlement agencies and provincial housing ministries can provide information about programs available in your area.

Financial Support for Housing

Several sources of financial support may be available to help with housing costs:

• Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP): If you are a government-assisted refugee, RAP provides financial support for initial settlement, including housing costs.
• Provincial Social Assistance: Depending on your province and status, you may be eligible for provincial social assistance that includes a housing component.
• NGO Emergency Assistance: Many community organizations provide emergency financial assistance for housing costs.
• Rent Increase Freezes and Protections: Many provinces limit the amount landlords can increase rent, protecting you from sudden, large increases.

Work with your settlement organization to identify all sources of financial support for which you may be eligible.

Discrimination and Tenant Rights

Unfortunately, discrimination in housing is a reality for refugees. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, family status, disability, or other protected grounds. If you experience discrimination, you have legal options:

• Report to Human Rights Commission: You can file a complaint with your provincial human rights commission.
• Seek Legal Help: Community legal clinics can advise you on discrimination complaints and help you pursue remedies.
• Know Your Tenant Rights: All provinces have landlord-tenant laws protecting tenant rights, including against eviction without cause, illegal rent increases, and unsafe conditions.

Housing conditions that are unsafe, unsanitary, or violate tenant rights should be addressed. Individuals are encouraged to advocate for themselves and seek help if needed.

Finding Housing Resources and Support

Multiple organizations and resources are available to help you find housing:

• Settlement Agencies: These are your primary resource for housing assistance, case management, and referrals to programs.
• Community Organizations: NGOs focused on refugee support often have housing specialists and resources.
• Local Housing Authorities: Municipal and provincial housing authorities manage public and subsidized housing and can provide information about programs.
• 211 Service: In most provinces, dialing 211 or visiting 211.ca connects you to community, social, health, and government services, including housing assistance.

Contact with these organizations early in the settlement journey helps identify available resources and supports housing search efforts.