THE GROWING NEED

In 2017, Canada saw an 88% increase in the number of refugees seeking protection at our boarder (26,462 vs 50,405). In 2018, that number increased by 10% to 55,695, and in 2019, it grew by 15% to 60,050. The Canadian Council for Refugees is projecting that once travel restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted, we will experience a significant bump in numbers and then a new average of approximately 70,000 per year.

Due to the reality of our lack of affordable housing, raising rental rates, an increase in International Students, and the growing number of Refugee Claimants, our shelter system is experiencing increased pressure. In fact, during 2019, when we tried to do referrals we found on 27 occasions that every funded shelter space in the City was full, including the motels.

In response to the growing need, Matthew House secured the former Alpha Apartments in Forest Glade. The property had sat empty and derelict for almost six years with plywood covering the windows and was a magnet for youth crime and property damage. Thanks to the amazing support of our community, including over 400 unique volunteers, we have renovated the property and now have two, six-bedroom congregate living units that meet or exceed the space recommendations, as well as nine, one-bedroom, and two, two-bedroom self contained apartments (75-85 beds).

The property offers homeless individuals and families:

	Staff available 24 hours	 Adjacent to Forest Glade Community Centre, Library, etc
	Freshly renovated space
	Dedicated children’s playroom	 On 1C bus route
	½ acre of outdoor space	 2 blocks from walk-in clinic and pharmacy
	On-site laundry
	Meeting space for other agencies including housing and lawyers	 1.5km from other support agencies (College Boreal, Unemployed Help Centre, Multicultural Council)
	A non-institutional setting
	Daily access to support staff
	Programs & Workshops including: budgeting, tenant’s rights, language, etc.

Due to their unique circumstances and the trauma they have experienced, Refugee Claimants require specialized housing with supports if we wish to see them quickly become self-sufficient, contributing members of our community. While Windsor has some of the very best homeless serving agencies in Canada, generic shelters are not able to offer the specialized supports, or the safe, healing environment required by this vulnerable population. Further, research shows that refugee claimants who receive specialized supports in the first 30-90 days in their new home community are significantly more likely to be in education, employment, or starting their own enterprise within one year. Additionally, research shows that refugees who are connected to community and have support from programs like Matthew House become self-sufficient much faster than those who are left to navigate on their own. In fact, a recent survey of former guests of Matthew House has shown that 82% were no longer receiving Ontario Works within six months of their settlement.

Impact of COVID-19

At the peak of the pandemic, there were 56 men, women, and children residing at Matthew House. Early on we recognized the seriousness of the situation and consulted with health professionals and other shelters to develop a plan. As a result, we have been able to avoid an