More time to settle Syrian refugees welcomed by Edmonton agencies
Securing affordable housing the biggest challenge in Edmonton and Red Deer
Edmonton settlement agencies are welcoming the federal government's announcement to extend the timeline for the arrival of 25,000 Syrian refugees.
"We're certainly relieved at this point to know that we will have fewer people coming and more time to prepare, keeping in mind that the same number will be arriving, but it will be spread over a longer period of time," said Jason Gariepy of Catholic Social Services.
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The new plan brings only 10,000 refugees to Canada by Dec. 31, with the remaining 15,000 arriving by the end of February.
Alberta is expecting to settle up to 3,000 refugees.
Catholic Social Services is tasked with settling the government-sponsored refugees in Edmonton and Red Deer where finding affordable housing is the biggest challenge.
"That's kind of where everyone's chewing their nails a little bit," said Erick Ambtman, executive director of the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers.
"Things like housing that we know are going to be a challenge in a place like Edmonton, gives us a bit more time to find those who have places."
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Ambtman said health-care systems and school boards will also appreciate having more time to figure out how to organize the newcomers.
Both Gariepy and Ambtman are astonished by the generosity shown by Albertans, with people from all walks of life offering help.
"We live in an amazing community and the number of people that are stepping forward from all walks of life," Ambtman said, thinking of one woman living in a trailer park in Whitecourt who offered her two spare bedrooms and to work with a family.
"It's nonstop," he said. "People from everywhere saying, 'What can we do to help?' "
Gariepy said he's still hoping to hear from more people in Edmonton and Red Deer about housing options, but agreed the response so far is reassuring.
"It's really a chance for us to be even more prepared upon their arrival, and find even better housing options for the Syrian refugees when they arrive."
The following are the Prairie destinations for Syrian refugees: Edmonton, Medicine Hat, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge,Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw.