Roughly 50 refugee claimants shuffled out of the GTA’s strained shelter system last week are now living in Windsor hotels.
The church was one of several in the GTA to take in refugees and asylum seekers who were recently turned away from Toronto’s main shelter network, according to the Toronto Star. “If people are able to shelter before it gets cold, before the snow starts to fly, if they’re able to access the services and supports they need to tell their story, to settle in our community and become one of the thousands of success stories I could share with you, that’s what counts.”In March, Windsor city council voted unanimously to inform Ottawa that Windsor did not have the capacity or resources to support more asylum claimants beyond the number of rooms already secured.
“It’s stemming from the significant number of arrivals in Canada. Roxham Road crossings have significantly dropped, but refugee claimant arrivals overall have gone through the roof.”Too many, too fast? Over 1,100 Roxham Road refugees bused to WindsorMatthew House is currently housing 122 adults and children. It’s also supporting around 1,500 people through the refugee claim process, some of whom are currently in area hotels.