Anyone knows about the refugee shelter in Toronto? What is the living condition?

[scylla]

Thanks for your reply. It is so disappointing that I can hardly accept the fact right away. Are you saying that for refugee claimants without money, we can only stay in such enviornment, right? I thought at least we can have our own bedroom, with shared bathroom and kithches. But the reality is completely not, right?
Another question is , to apply for the social assistance, Ontario works require refugee claimant to provide their UCI number. Typically only after eligibility interview, can people get the number. But from what people say in this forum, the elibility interview may not happen immediately after they make the claim. Then while they wait the interview, how could they sustain themselves?

You should assume that shelter accommodations will be shared and you will not have your own room. There are some shelters with private rooms but to the best of my knowledge, these are reserved for families (e.g. mother and father claiming refugee status along with three kids). These private rooms are also in very short supply to the best of my knowledge. So yes, assume you will be in shared accommodations with a number of people in a large room.

You should assume it will take over a year to have your eligibility interview.

I can't comment on Ontario Works or the work permit.

 

[marylady]

thank you, that's very helpful.
I am also interested to know how long people typically stay in such shelters, before they can move to a better place?

 

[Buletruck]

I also find a picture like this. It looks very disappointing...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ywca-women-shelter-davenport-1.4985108

Could be worse. You could end up in a detention centre.

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/five-things-to-know-about-canadian-immigration-detention-centres/wcm/c60a0741-0953-495c-a840-017eea10d9ac/amp/

 

[Copingwithlife]

Could be worse. You could end up in a detention centre.

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/five-things-to-know-about-canadian-immigration-detention-centres/wcm/c60a0741-0953-495c-a840-017eea10d9ac/amp/

Metro West Detention Centre ain’t no Holiday Inn

 

[Copingwithlife]

It's not your job to judge people. She/he/they had a specific question and your only contribution (if you want to make a contribution) is to answer their specific question. No judgements. And yes sir, people have the right to be worried when COVID19 is hitting asylum seekers right and left, with no basic protection, or no possible support from the government to have our work permits in time. People have been waiting for a year to have an eligibility interview. So please, sit back, and judge internally without sharing your hate here. We don't want it, we don't need it.

You have got to be kidding .

 

[Jamie90]

N

You have got to be kidding .

People, the person is asking a simple question. The person is scared, uninformed, probably having their life upside down. Why judging? and yes, sometimes people have special needs, like trans people who are afraid of transphobia in shelters and because they have physical treatments to do they'd rather do in private. Some people have mental health issues and wake up screaming and crying late at night, so they don't want to scare other people. A little empathy is okay. We have to assume that people don't have the information, the same way we have to assume worse case scenarios. Some people don't know what its like to be a refugee, It's simple, I thought this forum was to help people ask their questions and have the latter answered.

 

[Yuki.03]

N

People, the person is asking a simple question. The person is scared, uninformed, probably having their life upside down. Why judging? and yes, sometimes people have special needs, like trans people who are afraid of transphobia in shelters and because they have physical treatments to do they'd rather do in private. Some people have mental health issues and wake up screaming and crying late at night, so they don't want to scare other people. A little empathy is okay. We have to assume that people don't have the information, the same way we have to assume worse case scenarios. Some people don't know what its like to be a refugee, It's simple, I thought this forum was to help people ask their questions and have the latter answered.

the person's concern was not any of those you mentioned they wanted to live comfortably.. and they need to know when you claim refugee it is far from comfortable for the possibly 2 years. even if you are fortunate to have a friend or family helping you...

 

[Yuki.03]

also, you need the refugee claimant id to get these things and many more, not just the UCI number.. OW isn't much help. but it is something while u wait on your work permit. I believe you can leave anytime you want but you have to inform immigration anytime you move within a specific timeframe.

 

[Ghess23]

Look up shelters and call them and ask your questions. Also, look into Ontario Works they might be able to help you until you get a work permit. For example this one I found googling toronto refugee shelters for you has 58 beds over 18 rooms. so I would assume that they might have a low bed count per room https://www.sojournhouse.org/programs-services/emergency-shelter/
https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/migrant-and-refugee-services/first-contact/first-contact-ontario

 

[canuck78]

Look up shelters and call them and ask your questions. Also, look into Ontario Works they might be able to help you until you get a work permit. For example this one I found googling toronto refugee shelters for you has 58 beds over 18 rooms. so I would assume that they might have a low bed count per room https://www.sojournhouse.org/programs-services/emergency-shelter/
https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/migrant-and-refugee-services/first-contact/first-contact-ontario

Most of the programs are always full so you can't pick where you'd like to stay. If you are given a bed it is a take it or leave it situation. This is supposed to be temporary situation and as soon as you get a job or Ontario works you are expected to find your own accommodations.

 

[canuck78]

For these shelters, how many people stay in one room? Can people have their own private bedroom?

Are you aware of the travel restrictions? Most refugee claimants aren't able to fly into Canada at the moment. Would warn you that welfare does not provide a lot of money Most are dependent on charity for food, clothing, furniture, etc. I would suggest moving to a city other than Toronto so you don't spend all your money on rent. In some cities you may be able to afford a studio apartment. In Toronto a single adult would need to rent a room with roommates and share a bathroom and kitchen.

 

[marylady]

I contact some of the refugee houses, they all don't have spaces. some have a really bad attitude, it is hurtful.

 

[Buletruck]

I contact some of the refugee houses, they all don't have spaces. some have a really bad attitude, it is hurtful.

I’m sorry, but I somehow doubt that most people looking at refugee status are in a position, or of the mind, to pick and choose. And are probably grateful for whatever is available once they escape their situation....you on the other hand, not so much it seems.

 

[marylady]

I am picking because of my paticular health status, I don't want to specify here, but I do appreciate you if could be more considerate. Everyone has his/her own diffculties. Please don't judge.

 

[scylla]

I contact some of the refugee houses, they all don't have spaces. some have a really bad attitude, it is hurtful.

Right now many refugee shelters are over capacity. As a result, some refugees are being housed in regular shelters (i.e. homeless shelters). Ultimately when you arrive, you won't be able to pick which shelter you are sent to. That decision will be made for you based on availability of beds.