Summary
Description
Rainbow Railroad is pleased to share that after much advocacy with the Canadian government, we see movement again for LGBTQI+ refugees in our Private Sponsorship of Refugees program. We welcomed 8 new arrivals this year and anticipate more this year and next year. Through this program, we prioritize refugees with limited access to resettlement options, such as trans individuals, and lesbian and bisexual women.
We have an exciting opportunity coming up with Private Sponsorship in Toronto!
Currently, we are looking for individuals in Toronto to be part of volunteer settlement teams to help newcomer LGBTQI+ refugees resettle in Toronto. Teams usually have about 7 members, and we are looking for individuals, couples, groups… all are welcome!
Settlement teams are responsible for a variety of tasks in advance of, and after the arrival of the newcomer(s) they support. This can include support related to fundraising, securing housing, government paperwork, researching services, welcoming the newcomer(s), and supporting them through a major transitional process. Teams are not asked to provide any of their own funds, and no resettlement experience is required. Settlement teams are expected to commit approximately 1.5 years to this process. You can find more information about the responsibilities of supporting a newcomer below.
If you would like to see a video documenting an experience that you could be supporting, please click here to watch Olivia's arrival.
If you are interested in this opportunity, fill out the form here! Questions can be sent to privatesponsorship@rainbowrailroad.org.
