Saint John YMCA seeking volunteers to help resettle refugees

The Saint John YMCA is gearing up to accept 200 or more Syrian refugees in coming weeks, according to its chief executive officer.

Shiloh Boucher, the YMCA's chief executive officer, says the organization has sent out an appeal for volunteers and donors, and is busy searching for accommodations and interpreters.  

The YMCA will handle federally-sponsored refugees expected early in the new year, a few weeks after those who are being privately sponsored by church groups and individuals.

"Obviously, there's going to be a lot of supports that these folks need," said Boucher.

"They're coming to us with probably nothing. And they're big families, so they're going to need some support."

Boucher says volunteers are being organized into groups starting with the welcome team.

"If you know different languages, interpreters are definitely going to be needed. We have housing and donation teams and documentation teams," said Boucher.

 "It is amazing to see the community come together around this," she said. 

In a normal year, the Saint John YMCA helps about 65 refugees settle into the community. This influx of potentially as many as 300 people will call for a special effort.

"I think the team is feeling a bit of unease," said Boucher.

"They don't know what to expect."    

Those questions should be answered on Dec. 1, when more details about the refugee strategy will be revealed, including numbers and arrival dates. 

"We meet them right at the airport," said Boucher.

"We welcome them and we help them settle into a hotel, and make sure they're set up and try to quickly move them into an apartment."

When they are ready, says Boucher, the new arrivals can then start taking advantage of YMCA programs, including English language training, and job skills assessment and development.