First Newcomer Town Hall Unites African Refugees to Create a Plan for a Stronger Community

On February 1, 2025, the African Centre for Refugees in Ontario-Canada hosted its first town hall meeting for newcomers at Saint Luke’s United Church—The House of Friendship. Titled "Let's Create a Plan to Improve Our Community," the event brought together African refugees and community leaders to address the pressing issues of housing and employment.

Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative

This town hall took place amid the growing concerns around shelter and housing affordability in Toronto, where the rising cost of living has left many struggling to find stable, affordable housing. The gathering provided a platform for participants to discuss the challenges they face in securing housing and employment while highlighting the need for more supportive policies that address the unique struggles of newcomers to Canada.

Participants engaged in panel discussions and breakout sessions, tackling critical topics such as barriers to affordable housing, job market navigation, tenant rights, and workplace integration. The event fostered discussion, allowing refugees to share their experiences, promote awareness of available resources, and collaborate on solutions that could lead to meaningful change.

A key highlight of the town hall was a presentation on the social determinants of health by Ranjith Kulatilake. Additional insights were shared by Dr. Siu Mee Cheng from Street Haven and Maggie Walker from Margaret's Housing and Community Support Services, who provided valuable perspectives on supporting refugees through housing and employment challenges.

For communities in Downtown East, particularly Regent Park, this town hall was especially significant, as housing affordability and employment opportunities remain pressing challenges for many residents, especially African refugees striving for stability in their new home. By fostering dialogue between refugees, local organizations, and policymakers, the event not only strengthened efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive environment but also served as a powerful reminder that newcomer residents are not alone in their struggles. Coming together as a community creates opportunities to work toward tangible solutions, ensuring access to safe housing, meaningful employment, and a brighter future in Canada.