The head of refugee settlement services in B.C. is calling on Tri-City residents to open their arms and hearts to Syrian refugee families that may be arriving in the region over the next several weeks.
Immigrant Services Society of BC's director of settlement services, Chris Friesen, said he expects to have more details about the federal government's Syrian refugee resettlement plans tomorrow, Friday. But early projections suggest that as many as 600 refugees, among the most vulnerable currently in UNHCR camps abroad, could be settled here.
"We are working flat out to ensure that Syrian refugees have the best possible start in Metro Vancouver and the Tri-Cities region, with the continued support of the public's interest and willingness to help out," he said.
Housing is the biggest concern and ISS is reaching out to people for leads on affordable housing.
Friesen is disregarding the notion that Canada should back off on its aim to resettle 25,000 refugees by the end of the year, arguing that its better for people to be in B.C., bedding down in empty hotel rooms, secondary suites or church halls than freezing in a tent.
Calling this refugee resettlement program a "defining moment for Canada", Friesen believes B.C. residents are ready to do their part to help the Syrian refugees fleeing conflict in their homeland.
"Sure we're going to be stretched," Friesen said, "I feel Canadians want to be stretched, they are tired of sitting on their sofas being bombarded by these horrific images — the death of Alan Kurdi and other children that continue to die on a daily basis. We have to do more and we can do more and we have to do it as quickly as possible."
Local people who offer rooms in their homes to refugees will be visited by a case worker to determine the length of time the spot is available and, if children are to be housed, a background security check will be required, Friesen said.
HOW TO HELP
A website has been set up with ways to help Syrian refugees at www.issbc.org; you can also email [email protected] or call 1-844-447-9742. Here's what's needed:
• Housing leads, (1,500 housing units are needed), and a form is available on the website for contributing information.
• Mentors to help Syrians get oriented to their communities.
• Clinical counsellors to donate time to help victims of trauma.
