Toronto has been struggling to house refugees coming to the city. Churches and other NGOs have had to step up to fill the void of an overcrowded shelter system, but city staff say the problem isn’t going anywhere.
The cost of sheltering refugees and asylum seekers has become unsustainable for two Toronto churches, who have made the decision to close their doors to guests by the end of this year.
Refugee claimants turned away from Toronto’s shelters and taken in by Black-led faith groups have never experienced the cold of a Canadian winter before and now the churches and organizations still sheltering newcomers are buckling under the costs.
Tragic death of a homeless Nigerian man outside a shelter in Mississauga highlights the housing crisis in Ontario, particularly affecting Black refugees and asylum-seekers. Mayor Patrick Brown calls for urgent government support as asylum claimants sleep outside in increasing numbers. Community volunteers continue their efforts to provide shelter and assistance, demanding action to address the crisis.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called for more federal help on Thursday to house asylum seekers, saying a man who sought refuge in Peel Region died while sleeping outside in Mississauga this week.