The Saint John Regional YMCA has been a leading force when it comes to the Syrian refugee resettlement effort.
Over the past few months 378 refugees — 81 families — have come to call the port city of Saint John home, more than any other centre in the province.
In fact there have been some Syrian families that have specifically requested to be placed in Saint John.
As New Brunswick’s goal of 1500 refugees is close to being reached, Moncton and Fredericton were initially reported to have requested a pause or slowdown in the influx of refugees.
The minister responsible for the Syrian refugee response says Fredericton is still able to take them in, in fact it’s a central point.
“Fredericton is still the hub for those refugees but they’ll go to other communities starting next week,” said Francine Landry, Minister of Post-Secondary Education,Training and Labour.
That includes Saint John, but the change in process means less of a commitment for the welcome teams, which was originally six weeks.
“Now because there aren’t any arriving at the hotel, or setting up the apartments, it’s only it’s only a four week commitment,” said Shilo Boucher, CEO of the Saint John Regional YMCA.
It seems these welcome teams are key and may be unique to Saint John. Their team leader says the teams provide the “heart” component to the equation.
“All the families have lost their community and their families and they’re here alone and on their own,” welcome team leader Rhonda Kelly said.
“All of a sudden with the welcome teams they immediately have a new family and a new connection.”
Kelly believes these relationships have transformed the community.
Meanwhile there’s no indication the doors will be closing anytime soon.
“All the major cities, plus many other communities around New Brunswick are open to welcome other refugees,” said Landry.
“We feel it’s it’s our obligation to keep accepting refugees and if they need us we’re here for them,” Boucher added.
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