Leading the Charge: Skills for Change's Response to the Ethiopian Refugee Crisis

Dear valued readers,

I’d like to share with you an update on the progress we have made thus far on a crucial issue that lies close to our hearts. As the CEO of Skills for Change, I am proud to lead a team that is passionate about addressing the challenges faced by asylum seekers and committed to making a real difference in their lives. Today, I want to shed light on what we have accomplished to date and emphasize the profound importance of this ongoing endeavor.

In May and June 2023, Skills for Change experienced a significant surge in the number of asylum seekers arriving at our location in Toronto. Many of these individuals arrived with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, lacking shelter, and with extremely limited resources. The urgency of the situation demanded immediate action, and our team rose to the occasion.

Many grassroots organizations are actively engaged in providing support on the ground, working tirelessly to meet the urgent needs of asylum seekers. These organizations, along with Skills for Change, are collaborating with larger entities such as The Ethiopian Association of Toronto and other groups to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response. By pooling resources, sharing expertise, and working together, these organizations are able to maximize their impact and provide a more holistic support system for asylum seekers. Skills for Change swiftly provided emergency food and guidance to local shelters and community organizations. We collaborated with The Ethiopian Association of Toronto to connect the arrivals with culturally relevant support. Our staff attended meetings with The Ethiopian Association, offering our assistance and expertise.

To address the crisis effectively, Skills for Change established an internal crisis response committee that meets weekly to coordinate efforts and respond to the evolving situation. Our dedicated staff have developed a settlement-based workshop specifically tailored for asylum seekers, providing essential information on accessing city resources, provincial and federal support, housing, shelter, food, and financial assistance and has launched a bi-weekly food and clothing drive, and launched a fundraising campaign on Canada Helps with the support of Mastercard.

As of June, Skills for Change has seen over 36 refugee claimants, identifying their specific needs and areas for support. Most refugee claimants we have seen are from Ethiopia, between the ages of 25 and 44, with an urgent need for assistance with housing. Language skill development and employment support were also identified as priority areas.

Collaboration has played a pivotal role for Skills for Change in referring these refugee claimants to appropriate housing support and offering guidance on the process of securing housing. However, it cannot be emphasized enough how critical housing support is for these asylum seekers. The current reality of asylum seekers sleeping on the streets of Toronto underscores the urgent need for government assistance in providing housing. We were pleased to hear that just today, the Federal government announced $212 million in funding into the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), including $97 million in new funding for Toronto, which has seen the largest influx of Sub-African refugee claimants. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort, rooted in our shared values of compassion and humanitarianism. It is imperative for the government to continue to keep safe and secure housing for asylum seekers at the forefront of policy and funding, not only as a basic human right, but also as a vital step in facilitating their successful integration into our society. By doing so, we can lay the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous nation that benefits everyone.

The number of newcomers to Canada continues to increase while these challenges remain unresolved. Skills for Change remains steadfast in its commitment to address these issues head-on and provide the necessary support to asylum seekers. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, offering guidance, programs, and services to those in need.

The Sub-African Refugee crisis is a matter of immense importance, and Skills for Change is proud to be at the forefront of the response. As we invite asylum seekers to collect food and clothing at our main office, we also extend an appeal to the government and relevant stakeholders to provide the necessary support in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by asylum seekers.

Together, we can make a difference and empower those seeking refuge to build brighter futures. Thank you for joining us on this journey of compassion and resilience.

Sincerely,

Surranna Sandy CEO, Skills for Change

To participate in our donation drive, calling for food and clothing, contact Teya Zuzek, Manager of Events and Communications at tzuzek@skillsforchange.org

To donate to the Sub-African Refugee Crisis: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/skills-for-change/support-for-ethiopian-refugees

Federal Government Announcement: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/07/more-federal-housing-support-for-asylum-claimants.html

OCASI Open Letter: https://ocasi.org/sites/default/files/Open_Letter_IRCC_MLITSD_Refugee_Claimants_Housing.pdf

For Media Inquiries, contact Sampada Kukade at skukade@skillsforchange.org.