Enhancing Pathways to Improved Shelter and Housing Outcomes for Newly Arrived Refugee Claimants

In Toronto, newly arriving refugee claimants have become the fastest-growing client group in the Citys shelter system, outpacing the rest by far. To support the City of Toronto in identifying effective strategies to address the refugee shelter crisis, Toronto Shelter & Support Services is interested in a comprehensive jurisdictional scan of shelter and housing supports available to refugee claimants across Canada, with a particular focus on the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The study will include current and relevant historical data spanning the past 10 years and examine municipal supports along with provincial, and federal supports administered at the municipal level. The research will examine key factors including eligibility criteria, maximum length of stay, specialized programs, housing subsidies, and relevant metrics and outcomes. It will also include an analysis of policy gaps, evaluate the effectiveness of supports in meeting the shelter and housing needs of refugee claimants, identify inconsistencies in service delivery, and highlight best practices across jurisdictions. Based on the findings, evidence-based strategies and policy recommendations are to be developed for the Citys Toronto Shelter & Support Services to enhance outcomes for refugee claimant shelter clients.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Roberts

Student:

Partner:

City of Toronto

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Public administration; Utilities

University:

University of Toronto

Program: