LETHBRIDGE – City of Lethbridge staff gave an update on the Syrian refugee process Wednesday, ahead of new arrivals that will bring the total number of refugees in the city to 111 next week.
“We have managed to find permanent housing for them,” Sarah Amies, director of immigrant services, said. “People are only staying two weeks in temporary housing. That is the amount of time allowed by the government of Canada, so we are managing to stay in these guidelines.”
Lethbridge Family Services staff have been working around the clock to welcome Syrians and ensure they have what they need to make a fresh start. Approximately 65 per cent of the families are school-aged children. The Syrians arriving in the city have large families and it’s not uncommon for them to have more than eight family members.
Amies said this is quite the change from the past few years, when most of the refugees were older.
Lethbridge is still on track to receive the anticipated 240 government-assisted refugees by the end of 2016. One hundred and forty-four are expected at the end of February, in addition to 35 sponsored refugees.
“They are all moved in. We have the houses furnished and ready to go,” Erin Philips, a private sponsor, explained.
Hundreds of volunteers have stepped up to welcome Syrian refugees and dedicate their time to mentor them to help with orientation, and introduce them to their personal networks. In addition, donations have been given to the refugee settlement fund by LFS.
“It is truly inspiring to witness this tremendous community effort. Lethbridge can be proud of the fact that our coordinated effort to welcome Syrian refugees is a model for other communities,” Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman said. “This is the right thing for us to do as a compassionate, inclusive, welcoming community.”
Watch below: Global’s ongoing coverage of Syrian refugee process in Canada