RRT-VI Housing Resources
The Refugee Readiness Team – Vancouver Island addressed housing in the following ways:
- Connecting with landlords to share information on renting to refugees and increasing their understanding of the process.
- Providing a snapshot of the housing situation across the Island through a Regional Housing Report that will inform municipal and provincial recommendations.
- Facilitating housing opportunities for resettled refugees and displaced Ukrainians.
Regional Housing Report
The Regional Housing Report focuses on housing and community integration for displaced Ukrainians and Afghan and Syrian refugees on Vancouver Island. The report calls for a collaborative and adaptive housing strategy on Vancouver Island, emphasizing resilience, inclusivity, and ongoing support for a sustainable future. Information was collected through interviews, focus groups, and an online survey from January to March 2023. A total of 109 individuals responded among them displaced Ukrainians and refugees, hosts of Ukrainians, private sponsors of refugees, landlords, and settlement workers. By incorporating the voices of these groups, this report provides a first glimpse into the housing needs, challenges, and strategies of a vulnerable population across Vancouver Island.
Published: March 2024
Your Stories: Hosts/Landlords Renting to Refugees
We invite you to listen to the stories of the hosts and landlords of Vancouver Island who shared their experience of hosting and renting to refugees. These narratives were collected as a part of the Refugee Readiness Project to share the honest lived experiences of a diverse group of hosts and landlords as they opened their homes to refugees.
Many people struggle to find affordable and safe housing in Canada. It is much more difficult for refugees and newcomers when they arrive in a new country and have an urgent need for a home. Unfortunately, some people are hesitant to rent to refugees due to many preconceived notions. But in fact, these videos are a testament to the fact that renting to refugees is a rich and rewarding, experience that brings diversity and togetherness into our community.
We extend warm gratitude to those who contributed their stories and allowed us to create these videos. Your experience is incredibly valuable in breaking down housing barriers and encouraging more landlords to consider renting to refugees. By sharing these stories, it is our wish to encourage homeowners to learn about the importance of welcoming refugees into our communities and the positive impact they have.
Hope you enjoy these stories as much as we did.
Disclaimer:
The Refugee Readiness Team – Vancouver Island (RRT-VI) was an initiative that commenced in March 2022 and concluded in March 2024. As of March 31, 2024, this project has reached its completion and is no longer active. The materials presented here reflect the efforts and accomplishments of RRT-VI during its two-year duration. Please note that the services and activities described herein are not ongoing. For current initiatives and support services for refugees and displaced Ukrainians, please refer to the Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership (GVLIP) or other relevant local organizations and authorities.