Why do refugees need transitional housing?
Shelters only offer short term housing (three to six weeks), though many refugees are unable to move into permanent housing within six weeks of their entry into Canada. The refugee determination process, learning English as a second language, overcoming the emotional trauma that brought them to Canada, and the sheer quantity of forms and paperwork that must be completed, often mean that refugees have not yet found adequate employment to cover the cost of living when they are required to leave the shelters. Transitional housing offers refugees a stepping stone, where rents are subsidized and support programs are still offered, that can keep them off the streets and allow them the time they need to complete the refugee process and identify and cultivate their transferable skills for employment in Canada.
