The Need for Support

Image source: John Englart (Takver)/Flickr CC-by-SA

Our social issue: The refugee CRISIS

Casa El Norte focuses on supporting refugees for many great reasons. Refugees are the future of Canada, they bring in new skills, a larger working force, and more diversity. Refugees come to Canada for a brighter future, and without support, such as Casa El Norte and other shelters, refugees would not be given a chance to be able to support themselves and create a system of independence among the citizens.

Struggles Faced by Canadian Refugees

Every year, refugees seek support in Canada, from violence, war, persecution, hunger, extreme poverty, and dangers caused by natural disasters and climate change. In 2022, Niagara alone saw 1,538 refugees join our community. At times, many refugees are not welcomed by Canadian citizens for various reasons and fears. Individuals and families are often met with a lack of affordable housing and few job opportunities. In addition, several refugees face mental illnesses due to the traumas they faced and separation from their families. Thanks to the charities in the Niagara region, we can help the refugees more than ever.

What causes the struggles faced by refugees

IN THEIR FORMER COUNTRIES:

In their former countries, refugees faced a variety of injustices towards them including persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Refugees also face war, and ethnic, and political violence in their former countries. All of these struggles can lead to a lack of access to food, health care, housing, employment, clean water, and sanitation, as well as loss of community and homes. All of these struggles push people to leave their homes to find asylum in other countries but, even in these havens they still face many conflicts and struggles.

IN CANADA:

In Canada, the biggest struggle for refugees is the lack of affordable housing, making it difficult for the residents of Casa El Norte to find housing and move out. In addition, many refugees are unaccepted due to several reasons, such as economic and cultural competition, racial attitudes, and fear of an increasing crime rate. The causes of these sentiments are due in part to ignorance and lack of education about the benefits new Canadians bring and have brought to our country and the efforts they endured.

Short-Term Effects of Casa El Nortes Support

Less strain on the community and its resources
A more welcoming community
Free housing for refugees
English as a second language classes
Ensuring Independence

Long-Term Effects of Casa El Nortes Support

Increased workforce
A diverse and inclusive Fort Erie

As Lynn Hannigan, the current director of Casa El Norte put it "We have helped to build a diverse, energetic, and productive community in Fort Erie."

Casa El Norte's Plans for the future

The future impacts of Casa El Norte are all dependent on the changing laws and world events. They plan to continue responding to events around the world and provide the support refugees need when coming to Canada. They are our front-line support for oncoming refugees in the Niagara Region, and they will continue to adapt and reform to become even more efficient to support as many refugees as they can.

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