Syrian Refugee Crisis Response

As millions of Syrians continue to be displaced due to conflict in their home country, the Government of Canada committed to work with Canadians, including private sponsors, non-governmental organizations, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February, 2016. A significant number of refugees are expected to settle in Toronto. TEQ LIP is committed to working with our partners in Scarborough in preparation and support of settlement of Syrian Refugees.

This page centralizes information including links to resources and information on the multitude of initiatives happening across Toronto and nationwide. Please select the category below to access relevant information or scroll down to read further.

 

UNDERSTANDING SYRIAN REFUGEES 

Population Profile – Syrian Refugees 

Refugees from Syria – Backgrounder 

INITIATIVES AND EVENTS HAPPENING IN TORONTO:

MEDIA RELEASE AND COMMUNITY UPDATES:

SERVICES & SUPPORTS FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES:

Before Arrival:

  • Accelerated Process for Welcoming Privately Sponsored Syrian Refugees to Canada.       Privately sponsored refugees typically come to Canada through Sponsorship Agreement Holders, Groups of Five or Community Sponsors who will provide financial, social and emotional support for one year. – Click here for details 
  • Information on Toll Free Number for Private Sponsors – The toll free number for private sponsors which is 1-877-290-1701. The number is managed by the Catholic Crosscultural Services – Refugee Sponsorship Training Program. Support and information is available to sponsors at every stage of the sponsorship process. Click here for more information 
  • Guide to the first year after arrival – Lifeline Syria’s sponsor handbook – Click here 
  • Lifeline Syria Challenge – Ryerson University, OCAD University, University of Toronto and York University have joined together to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. The GTA University Lifeline Syria Challenge has committed to sponsoring 75 Syrian refugee families or 300 people (Read more)
  • Refugee Sponsorship Training Program provides a multitude of resources for private sponsors – Click here
  • Syrian Family Links initiative – Bringing Syrian refugees and sponsors together.             Through this initiative, Syrians in Canada can identify family members who are refugees in Lebanon, Jordan or Turkey and help link them with local sponsorship groups in Canada who are seeking someone to sponsor. – Click here to details  

After Arrival:

Employment Support

  • Welcome to Ontario – Employment Ontario Fact Sheet 

          English                 French               Arabic             Kurdish

Health Services

Housing, Food bank & Furniture Bank

  • Donating clothing, furniture and time in support of Syrian refugees – Click here 
  • H.O.M.E Housing Opportunities & Marketplace Exchange – Connecting Refugees with Housing & Resources – Click here 

Settlement Services:

Service Directory and Newcomers Guides

Volunteering Opportunity to Help Syrian Refugees

SPARKOntario has tailored their site to feature volunteer opportunities related to Syrian refugees, and to share stories about how volunteers are making a difference. Click here for more information and to participate.

Information on Federal, Provincial, Municipal and Community Updates

  • Global Affairs Canada brings together information about Canada’s response to the conflict in Syria, including refugee resettlement and humanitarian assistance
  • Government of Canada’s provides information on the progress of settling Syrian refugees including milestones and key figures and an interactive map on which communities are welcoming refugees: #welcomeRefugees
  • Government of Ontario have created a page to connect sponsors, donors, services and support systems  – Click here 
  • Information on the City of Toronto’s refugee resettlement response: www.toronto.ca/refugees        For more information read commonly asked questions Click here
  • Services available at Toronto Public Library – Click here
  • Settlement pathways for privately sponsored refugees – Resource document – Click here 
  •  

Your First Two Weeks in Canada

This site will be updated regularly with new links and current information. If you have questions or suggestions with regards to the Syrian Refugee Crisis Response please contact any member of the TEQ LIP team.

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