With no rent money for November, St. John's-based refugee and immigrant council facing eviction
Volunteer Executive Director Jose Rivera says group will continue its important work
The St. John's-based Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council has once again fallen on financial hard times, and will be forced to vacate its downtown office on Monday unless it receives an influx of cash.
The volunteer executive director, Jose Rivera, said the group cannot afford to cover off its November expenses.
"Other than some park bench, we have nothing else at hand," Rivera said.
RIAC, as it's known, was established in 1983 and provides a wide range of assistance to refugees and immigrants who come to Newfoundland and Labrador from around the world.
It depends on various government subsidies and charitable donations to maintain its office at 204 Water Street, and to hire employees.
Lack of support
Rivera said the group needs $2,000 each month for rent, utilities and various office expenses.
But government support practically dried up following last spring's provincial budget. And he blames some of the harsh measures in the budget, including tax and fee increases, for putting the brakes on the flow of donations.
"Donors got scared with the so-called financial crisis in this province and they cut down their donations to the minimum," Rivera said.
"The reality today is we are not receiving even $2,000 a month."
RIAC is supported by about 200 volunteers, and Rivera said its services are too important to be discontinued.
"The working group is going to be working, even if we have to do it out of a basement because the service is required," he said.
"The need is out there. The volunteers are willing to keep doing what they do. All we need is a little bit of space."