Navigating the Housing Crisis: Challenges Refugee Families Face in Canada
Indwell
Written by Maria Franco, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Cross Cultural Learner Centre
The Canadian immigration system can be overwhelming for refugees, especially when it comes to finding housing. The Government-Assisted Refugees (GARS) program and Ontario Works (OW) provide financial support differently, which creates challenges for refugee families.
Under GARS, individuals aged 18 and over receive their own budget. Married couples share a budget, while families with adult children may receive multiple budgets. This initially helps with housing as it allows for more resources. Refugees often spend most of their GARS money on rent, with additional support coming from the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for those with children under 18.
However, when refugees transition to OW after one year, the financial situation changes significantly. OW considers children aged 18-25 living at home as dependents, meaning they don’t receive separate budgets in most cases. This policy shift often leads to a drastic reduction in household income, making it difficult to afford the same housing.
High rental prices worsen the problem. Families that initially manage to secure housing with GARS support find themselves unable to keep up with rent when they move to OW. This is especially challenging for those without young children who can't rely on the CCB. The lack of affordable housing forces many to seek new accommodations, adding stress and uncertainty to their lives.
Language barriers and other factors, such as caring for children with disabilities, hinder employment opportunities for refugees. Limited English proficiency makes finding and retaining jobs challenging, especially for those balancing work with education. The situation becomes dire when young adults in the family face exploitation or job insecurity. For example, one family's son lost his job after complaining about irregular pay, leaving the family in financial distress.
Housing stability is crucial for refugees as it provides a foundation for integration and community building. The constant threat of displacement due to unaffordable housing creates anxiety and disrupts their ability to settle. The mental and physical health of refugees can suffer, and their capacity to find and keep jobs diminishes under such stress.
The settlement sector must develop long-term housing strategies to address these challenges. With rental prices continuing to rise and a limited supply of affordable housing, the competition for accommodation is fierce. Refugee families, especially large ones, face additional difficulties in finding suitable homes due to landlords’ reluctance to rent to them.
To mitigate these issues, agencies like the CCLC provide orientation on tenants' rights and responsibilities, aiming to foster good relationships with landlords. However, more systemic solutions are needed. Increasing affordable housing stock, offering language and job training programs, and ensuring fair employment practices are critical steps towards providing refugees with the stability they need to thrive in Canada.