Assisting Refugees in Canada

Refugee Assistance

What is Sponsorship?

Once refugees are identified overseas, MCC works with a local church or group in Canada to submit a sponsorship application to the Government. The Government must ultimately approve the refugee for sponsorship.

The church or group which submitted the sponsorship through MCC is responsible for all the support costs for one year.

What is required for Sponsorship?

Sponsors need to do a variety of things to help refugees settle in Canada. These include meeting the new arrivals at the airport, and arranging accommodation. They need to help with food, housing, clothes, furnishings, transportation, etc. Children need to be enrolled in school, and parents may need help finding language instruction. Sponsors need to be available to help with general orientation to life in Canada, and provide the necessary moral support and friendship that newcomers might need. MCC can assist sponsors in preparing a settlement plan.

What are the Costs?

Obligations will vary, depending on local costs. The biggest cost is housing. Other costs can be estimated, based on the size of the refugee family. Some church groups use local social assistance (i.e. welfare) rates as a rule of thumb. Expect costs to start at $800 per month for individuals, and $1500 per month for families. These costs will be required for one year, unless the refugees become self-sufficient sooner.

What if our Church cannot afford it?

Some churches may want to work with other churches to help share costs. MCC will work at helping you find church partners in your area.

When will the refugees arrive?

Normally, the process takes at least 1 year before refugees come to Canada. However, refugees coming through the Colombia Refugee Project will arrive within a matter of weeks.

What do I do next?

Talk to people at your church about getting involved. Sponsorship is a group effort, requiring a committed group of volunteers and the financial support of others. If you need more information, contact the MCC refugee program nearest you.

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