In 2023, across our various transitional housing programs for refugee claimants, we welcomed 360 individuals. Each one, a person with dignity, strength, and resilience. In our Annual Report for 2023, you will read some of their stories and the impact you were part of in 2023.

As refugee claimants embark on their new life in Canada, Journey Home Community stands as a symbol of hope, belonging, friendship, and mutual transformation. We remain steadfast in our goal of helping refugee claimants rebuild their lives in a new country and city.

During this season I began to understand the exact meaning of the word “resilience”. To me this means, stay strong and keep fighting against adversity. I do this because I put all my heart into my business, my last breath even. I don’t want people to not trust me, so I must keep working, but it was my faith and the love from my family that kept me going.

Three grown men stood close, teeth clenched and brows furrowed. Sweat poured down the forehead of one of them as he breathed heavily. Occasional words were exchanged in Spanish and English as they squared off uneasily and shifted their weight from side to side. All that stood between them was… the triple bunk bed they were assembling together for new refugee claimants in a spacious house in Coquitlam! Read about our recent volunteer work day!

On a rainy Saturday, 239 people walked or biked to support refugee claimants. Refugee claimants are individuals who, after experiencing displacement from their home country, arrive in Canada facing homelessness. This is not the way it should be…

Often, in various settings, I’m asked to share about Journey Home. It’s one of my favourite things to do. When thinking about what to share, people usually ask two things: “what do you do?” and “why do you do it?”

It all began when a small community group in Willingdon Church became aware that refugee claimant families were arriving with no one to welcome them, ending up homeless and isolated. The fellowship group knew they must act.

Eight years ago, St. John’s Vancouver embarked on a journey to welcome refugees. They started by sponsoring an Afghan family in India seeking refuge in Canada. After four long years, the family finally arrived. However, in December 2022, an unexpected event unfolded. Family members who had previously fled Afghanistan to Pakistan and then Brazil on a humanitarian visa showed up at their doorstep.

Marcela, her husband, and their young son Mateo arrived at Journey Home in December 2022 seeking assistance. At the time, Mateo was significantly behind in his development. Despite their months and months of challenges, the family hoped for a better future.