Refugee Resettlement

Humanity First is a humanitarian relief organization established in 1995 and currently registered in 50 countries across 6 continents. Humanity First has been working on human development projects, and providing humanitarian aid to those affected by natural & man made disasters. Humanity First undertakes emergency relief operations around the world providing medical assistance, shelter, water, food, clothing and sanitation to affected populations.

Humanity First is at the forefront of privately sponsoring refugees and resettling them in Canada. Thus far, Humanity First has successfully resettled hundreds of refugees in Canada. They are now well integrated and are positively contributing to the society. We continue to sponsor Refugees and assist them to resettle in Canada.

Humanity First also has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Thailand Refugee Crisis

Humanity First understands the importance of providing refuge to those fleeing from violence, persecution, and war-torn countries. That’s why we have been at the forefront of refugee resettlement in Canada as a recognized sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH). We have already helped settle around 3000 refugees in Canada. Safety and stability are key elements in helping people live out their potential as contributing member of society, and we at Humanity First hope to facilitate that for those in need.

Currently, a refugee crisis continues to grow in Thailand. Thousands of people, who have fled violence and been separated from their families, are living in dehumanizing conditions, deprived of basic necessities. Humanity First hopes to provide aid and safety in resettling these refugees and work towards erasing their suffering.

A little goes a long way in transforming the life of those in need.

Syrian Refugees Crisis

The Syrian Crisis is one of the worst humanitarian disasters of recent times. In fact, it is the worst human displacement since World War II – almost 11 million i.e. half the Syrian population are displaced, over 220,000 killed, and more than 16 million Syrians are in urgent need of assistance inside and outside of Syria. Syrians are now the largest refugee population in the world. 50% of these refugees are children at risk of abuse and human trafficking.

Humanity First recently organized a Donor Conference that provided an unprecedented opportunity to all Canadian stakeholders, groups and individuals in sponsoring Refugees to enhance their awareness and operations of the sponsorship process. The Conference provided a platform to trigger synergetic relationships with other groups, thereby, utilizing the full potential of the sponsorship and resettlement process. The following topics were discussed in it:

• Sponsorship process and challenges
• Resettlement process and challenges
• Canada’s role in refugee resettlement
• Canadian donors and sponsors engagement their resources.

This conference was especially beneficial for participants from Refugee Sponsoring Organizations, Resettlement Organizations, Constituent Groups, Individuals and Groups interested in sponsoring refugees, Volunteers wishing to engage in the resettlement process, Government agencies engaged in refugee affairs, Donors, Supporters and Religious organizations assisting with refugee resettlement.

It also provided an opportunity to connect with those wanting to offer funds and resources to sponsor refugees, and to educate individuals and groups, how they can work with sponsorship organizations to assist the refugee. Individuals looking to donate funds and resources, or those interested in volunteering to assist Syrian Refugees found the conference very helpful to learn about the organizations and methods to get involved and make an informed decision about allocating their resources.

Sponsoring Refugees

Humanity First is at the fore front of Refugee Resettlement as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder Organization (SAH). Humanity First believes that response to humanitarian crisis of such a scale requires collective effort, collaboration, and most of all, compassion and an unshaken resolve to serve humanity. Our effort is to remove sufferings and make a difference by making our contribution to this global effort. Together, We can make it happen!

Interested in Sponsoring Refugees?

It is as simple as 1, 2, 3…

1- Partner with a Humanity First as a Constituent Group or Co-sponsor:

If the Co-sponsor is an individual, the individual must:

• be 18 years of age or older
• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
• reside in the community where the refugee is expected to live

If the Co-sponsor is an organization, the organization may be:

• a corporation
• an unincorporated organization
• an association
• another SAH or CG

Humanity First will review and discuss all the details pertaining to sponsorship and resettlement as well as the roles & responsibilities of your group. You will then sign the ‘Sponsorship Agreement’ or ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with Humanity First. The agreement will serve as a reminder to both the arties of their roles and responsibilities during the sponsorship & resettlement process. It should however be noted that sponsorship requirements may vary from case to case. Additional considerations may be required when evaluating a sponsorship case.

2- Prepare to Provide Financial Commitment to support the Refugee(s):

• Funds must be available to provide financial and settlement support to the sponsored refugee(s) for up to 12 months after arrival in Canada. Please note that the settlement funds cannot come from refugees. We will need written confirmation that no amount has come from the refugee(s) either directly or indirectly.
• The cost of living varies from one region to another; however, the following table provides an estimated cost based on family size.
• Discuss with your Humanity First how to manage and administer funds.
• Tax receipts might be available for some donation types in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Minimum Sponsorship Amount Required:

IMPORTANT

• Please note that the above amounts are based on assumption that the children will be under 18 years of age on arrival and during the first year in Canada. If the children are over 18 years or turn over 18 during the sponsorship period, then additional funds will be required as per the schedule of a single adult.
• The recommended amounts above are not IRCC’s minimum suggested amounts. The actual sponsorship amount varies from city to city depending on various factors such as rent, cost of living, RAP rates etc. Sponsors are advised to have funds available based on the cost of living in the community of settlement. Please see the example below.
• Humanity First does not charge any commission and does not deduct any amount from the total resettlement funds. 100% of the settlement fund is provided to the refugee on behalf of co-sponsors.

Example of Average Total Resettlement Cost in Greater Toronto Area

3- Prepare a Settlement Plan:

• A settlement plan details how you intend to deliver the various aspects of settlement assistance needed to help the refugee applicant(s) establish successfully in Canada.
• Where practical, the planned arrangements should be in place before the refugee arrives.
• Discuss the settlement arrangements and your responsibilities with Humanity First.

That’s it! Then just wait for the arrival of your sponsored refugee family. During this time, Humanity First will guide and prepare you how to be ready for the resettlement work. Once the sponsored family arrives, then you will receive them from the airport and assist them with all aspects of resettlement for next one year.

As Co-Sponsor or Constituent Group, you agree to provide them with care, lodging, settlement assistance and social support. Normally, a private sponsor supports a refugee for 12 months, starting from the refugee’s arrival in Canada or until the refugee becomes self-sufficient, whichever comes first.

Are you available to volunteer?

Here are some of the things you can assist with:

• Office and Admin Work
• Transportation Assistance
• Accomodation Assistance
• Guidance and Counselling
• Job Search and Employment Assistance
• Language and Translation Assistance
• Food Bank Services
• Shopping and Grocery
• Fundraising and Donation Colleciton
• Coordination and Communication

For further information, please submit the volunteer form or email us at info@humanityfirst.ca

Sponsorship in General

Refugee sponsors agree to provide refugees with care, lodging, settlement assistance and support. Normally, this is for 12 months starting from the refugee’s arrival in Canada or until the refugee becomes self-sufficient, whichever comes first. Sponsors are required to demonstrate their ability to meet the required financial obligations of sponsorship.

Private sponsors also normally support the sponsored refugees by:

• providing the cost of food, rent and household utilities and other day-to-day living expenses;
• providing clothing, furniture and other household goods;
• locating interpreters;
• selecting a family physician and dentist;
• assisting with applying for provincial health-care coverage;
• enrolling children in school and adults in language training;
• introducing newcomers to people with similar personal interests;
• providing orientation with regard to banking services, transportation, etc.; and
• helping in the search for employment.

Before any application can be accepted, the sponsored persons must undergo a medical examination and a security check or background screening to ensure the safety and security of Canadians.

The Blended Visa Office-Referred Program

Under the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program, Canada matches refugees identified for resettlement by referral agencies such as the UN Refugee Agency with private sponsors in Canada. Under the BVOR program, launched in 2013, the federal government provides six months of federal income support for refugees, which is matched by six months of private sponsorship support. The sponsor is also expected to provide social support for the full 12-month period.

The Government of Canada has expanded the BVOR program so that G5 and CSs can also access refugee files currently in the inventory as part of this program.

CIC is also making more refugee profiles available earlier in the process so that sponsors can be identified for refugees. In order to expedite the process, profiles will only be available for 14 days. If no sponsor has been identified, the refugee application will continue to be processed through Government-Assisted Refugees Program.