Grassroots advocacy, charities help secure $212M in federal funding to house asylum seekers
Why It Matters
Some charities donโt engage in advocacy believing itโs not relevant to their mission. But one expert says a recent advocacy campaign to house asylum seekers shows the big impact this work can have.
The federal government will provide $212 million in interim funding to house asylum seekers who came to Canada in search of safety and security, but ended up sleeping on sidewalks and streets.
ย Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser made the announcement earlier this week, following a Toronto advocacy campaign, led by grassroots community workers, non-profit agencies, charities and allies.
โIt just reached a tipping point and they had to respond, because we had gone out there loud and proud โฆ and they couldnโt shirk their responsibilities,โ said Diane Walter, executive director of Margaretโs Housing and Community Support Services, a charity that has advocated for asylum seekers in recent weeks.ย ย
The charity is part of a coalition of organizations and community groups that have provided respite for dozens of asylum seekers camp
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