The Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI Ottawa)
Proudly serving immigrants and refugees for over 60 years from all faith groups
SYRIAN REFUGEE UPDATE:
During the past three weeks, the Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI) received about 450 Syrian Government Assisted Refugees (GARs). We are currently providing them with transitional housing in four locations, where they will stay for about two to three weeks while they receive their Welcome to Canada orientation, and as we find them permanent housing. We are working in partnership with health providers, schools, city officials, other settlement agencies, as well as many other organizations to ensure the successful transition of refugees to their new homes.
ONTARIO GOVERNMENT FUNDS CCI REFUGEE ACTIVITIES
Ottawa is better prepared to accommodate the surge of Syrian refugees thanks to new provincial funding announced in late December. CCI will receive $808,000 (December 1, 2015 to March 31, 2018) to support both Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) and those who arrive through private sponsorship. These funds will provide for:
- A sponsorship coordinator to help put together more “Group of 5” private sponsorship groups in Ottawa;
- A housing support worker to find permanent housing for the refugees, and to troubleshoot and mediate issues with landlords to ensure that clients stay housed;
- A partnership and volunteer support worker to coordinate the recruitment, training, and deployment of the hundreds of people who have expressed interest in volunteering; and
- A case management worker whose understanding of individual family situations will enable various agencies to coordinate their efforts to meet the specific needs of newcomers more efficiently and effectively.
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