At Vancity, we’re thrilled to collaborate with organizations dedicated to supporting refugees. In this blog, we’re excited to share an interview with our partner, Journey Home Community. Through this conversation, we shine a light on their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who require support. In 2022 Journey Home Community’s committed efforts helped 184 refugees settle — a mission in which Vancity is invested.
Tell us about Journey Home Community:
It all started when a small community group in Willingdon Church became aware that refugee claimant families were arriving with no one to welcome them and ending up homeless and isolated. The fellowship group knew they must act.
In late 2005, when we began officially as Journey Home Community; we were a grassroots organization with a very low budget. We were mostly funded by a few committed volunteers. Our board consisted of three people who met regularly to try to get the most urgent items of business on track. That year we assisted four refugee families in the best way we could.
How does your organization support refugees?
At our core, we’re here to make a real difference in people’s lives. We kickstart the journey with a safe haven through transitional housing, and then we’re right by their side, assisting them with everything from education on how to find a permanent home, to getting donated furniture, and making the move. But we don’t stop at shelter — our wrap-around program is like a helping hand, offering care, connecting individuals and families to programs, and tapping into available resources for a fresh start. What truly makes us a family is the sense of belonging we cultivate — the incredible volunteers, the peer-support network, and the genuine friendships that form a community where program participants are never alone on this journey.
In what ways has Vancity provided support to this organization?
Vancity extends a warm hand. They provide an absolutely free bank account for two years, recognizing the importance of easy financial access during these times. Moreover, for those fortunate enough to have their claims accepted, Vancity goes even further by offering the opportunity to apply for a loan with just their belief in a brighter future. Vancity is here to empower and uplift, making sure every step forward is a little less challenging.
The partnership with Vancity has truly transformed the lives of refugees in remarkable ways. By providing easy access to bank accounts, refugee families are now able to take control of their finances, enabling them to independently cover expenses like food, rent, and daily necessities. The no-cost bank account has helped supplement their income assistance and allowed them to allocate more funds towards essential items such as clothing and toiletries for their family members.
At our core, we’re here to make a real difference in people’s lives.
What are the eligibility criteria for refugees to access your services and support?
Here at our organization, we open our doors to those who have just arrived in Canada (within two-four weeks) who are seeking asylum, and who have no resources and no other housing options. We’re here for single men and women, families, and single parents, collectively known as “refugee claimants.” Our focus is on providing a welcoming space for this specific group, while it’s important to note that different organizations lend their support to other refugee categories such as Private Sponsored and Government Assisted individuals. Our goal is to create a haven of support for those who need it most, as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.
What types of services do you offer to help refugees start a new life in Vancouver?
Navigating the refugee claimant process can be confusing, so we provide claimants with a clear orientation. We’re here to help with legal aid, ensuring community members are informed and empowered. When basic needs are required, we provide emergency food, clothing, and essentials, because everyone deserves a stable start. And when it comes to housing, we guide refugee claimants through the Metro Vancouver landscape and aid them in applying to subsidized housing agencies and private landlords. When program participants attend property viewings – we provide accompaniment.
We provide information about the medical system and arrange necessary referrals while also making sure refugee claimants are comfortable with the local transit options. We connect them with essential services such as food banks and English assistance. Children’s education matters, so we help families with school registration. And as they take steps towards stability, we assist with Income Assistance referrals as well as set them up with a bank account through Vancity. A successful refugee claimant is able to apply for Permanent Residency (PR loans), and we support the application process by referring to Vancity for PR loans. Our goal is to stand with refugee claimants every step of the way.
We’re here for single men and women, families, and single parents, collectively known as “refugee claimants.”
Are there any mentorship or skills development programs available to help with their employability?
We have a volunteer role called, Family Friend. This is where we match a volunteer to a family for community connection, networking, mutual transformative learning of each other’s cultures and relational care. Refugee families/individuals are matched with a volunteer when there are volunteers available to step into the role.
What are your organization’s future goals and plans for expanding support to refugees in Vancouver?
Our goal is to expand our housing options for refugee claimants. Currently we offer two transitional housing programs. In our Welcome Homes Program, we have three community houses and four two-bedroom apartments which we can access on a permanent basis for transitional housing. We would like to increase this.
Our Meanwhile Space Program is providing immediate housing for refugee claimants with no place to go; this has grown quickly. We need to improve our infrastructure to sustain this program over the next number of years. Currently our intention is to operate 30-35 units, and this has the potential to grow even larger with effective support for this initiative.
We have numerous conversations with faith communities investigating building housing on their church land and are in discussions about having refugee housing included as part of their model. Most of these projects are in the ideas phase and are likely to be 5-10 years before they open.
How can individuals or businesses in the community get involved and support your mission?
Each year we host a fundraising event called “Ride For Refuge” inviting corporate teams to join us in riding or walking to show their support for refugees’ housing and basic needs. Businesses could also sponsor this event and this year it’s scheduled for September 23, 2023.
We also have a range of volunteer opportunities including supporting community events during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Summer Picnic, Ramadan, and other regular volunteer roles both in-office and alongside families to provide friendship and support. In addition, we have periodic workdays (painting, yard maintenance, community house cleaning, etc.) which volunteer groups could support as well.
Vancity is involved in welcoming refugees, and we invite you to join us in making a difference. For more information on how you can personally help, visit here.
Since the 1990s, Vancity has opened bank accounts for more than 12,000 refugees. Through Vancity’s Refugee Assistance Program, we’re continuously creating tailored services to support the banking needs of newcomers, refugees, and displaced people. Read more here.
