The Government of Canada’s response to the largest worldwide refugee crisis since World War II, has included selecting Kingston elected as a destination for government-assisted refugees.
Through the Refugee Resettlement Services Kingston initiative, we offer multilingual support, workshops, guidance and accompaniment to new refugees in Kingston for their initial phase of resettlement.
Once arrived, these newcomers receive temporary accommodation, orientation to life in Kingston and Canada, and connections to essential government, educational and community services. They also receive support to find and rent suitable accommodations.
Volunteers and donors play a big role in helping newcomers feel welcome in Kingston. Many different volunteer opportunities are available to suit your varied interests and time availabilities.
Do you want to Support Newcomers in Kingston but don’t have the time to volunteer? There are a few options for you!
VOLUNTEER:
Family support teams make a tremendous difference to newcomers who are making a new life in Kingston. It’s a neighbourly gesture, to offer friendship and support to the newcomers who are beginning a new life here.
Sign-up online here.
RENTAL UNITS:
Do you have a rental unit available to rent to a refugee family or individual?
Tell us about it here and we will be in touch soon to organize a viewing.
INTERPRETATION:
Some volunteers can’t make a commitment to months of support but are able to help with translation on an ad hoc or occasional basis.
Please use the volunteer form to sign up for interpretation and let us know what languages you speak.
HIRE A REFUGEE:
The opportunity of work is a tremendous contribution. Let us know what work you have and what qualifications you need.
Fill out this form.
DONATIONS:
Donations are welcomed to help refugees with unique, urgent and essential needs:
- KEYS accepts donations designated for refugee needs online through Canada Helps. You will get a charitable tax receipt immediately.
- Cash, cheques and gift cards are also accepted at our office at 182 Sydenham Street, Kingston, ON, K7K 3M2. We will take your information for any donation over $20 and a charitable tax receipt will be mailed to you soon after.
Resettlement Case Management
Our Resettlement Case Management program provides essential support to government-assisted refugees arriving in the Kingston area. The twelve month case management service model provides clients with a wide range of settlement services and referrals, depending on their individual needs. ‘. The objective of the Resettlement Case Management program is to assist newcomers to develop independance in their new lives in Kingston and Canada and facilitate the transition to ‘month 13,’ when the federal financial support for Government-Assisted Refugees ends.
This program will enable clients to access government, health and community services independently. Services available in English, French, Arabic, Kirundi and Swahili.
Afghan Resettlement Programs
KEYS is part of the national initiative to resettled Afghan refugees.
Find out more about this national initiative here.