100 Women Who Care Guelph has chosen Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington as our fourth charity of 2024 (our 10th year!) to receive its approximately $16,000. donation. The donation will provide emergency housing for asylum seekers in the cold winter months.
Since 1978, ISGW has been providing services to refugees and permanent residents to help make Guelph their home, serving 4800 clients last year. ISGW is also a bridge service for temporary housing for “asylum seekers” via a limited emergency fund.
An asylum seeker is …a person who has fled their home country and is seeking protection in another country because of persecution, war or violence (canadacommons.ca). Their claim for asylum is under evaluation, waiting on whether they will be granted refugee status. They do not have the all-important work permit.
Due to the current housing crisis, 61% of asylum seekers are housed in shelters, however shelters in Guelph (a destination “hot spot”) are at capacity. Families with children may have nowhere to turn and often arrive at the ISGW office on cold winter nights. Last year, 150 asylum seekers were families.
In addition to various shelters mentioned above, a few local hotels offer reduced nightly rates (also are often at capacity). ISGW is also working with a non-profit that has a farmhouse in a rural setting and is willing to work cooperatively to provide affordable housing.
Unfortunately, due to the depletion of ISGW’s emergency fund and increasing number of families seeking refuge, it would be difficult without 100WWCG’s donation to access emergency accommodation for those in need.
ISGW intends to use the donation to replenish its emergency fund for emergency accommodation for the growing number in need, and spending less on hotels. Food and other living expenses would be provided by other charities or agencies.
Visit www.100womenwhocareguelph.com for more information or to become a member and help support those in need in our community.
