Opportunity for Community Support
The BIA is committed to the well-being of our community and continues to work with levels of government and community stakeholders to find urgent solutions for unhoused individuals. The following opportunities to support the City in these efforts are available to BIA members.
Accommodations
In anticipation of the continued arrival of new refugees, the City is looking to fulfill housing arrangements under the following criteria:
- Three months commitment is required to plan an appropriate transition (ideally, a minimum number of 25 rooms should be blocked)
- The rooms may be filled with either families or singles (double occupancy)
- Catering and delivering meals to clients is an asset
- Arrangements for compensation from the City can be made for eligible expenses incurred.
Any members interested in providing accommodations to asylum seekers, such as hotel rooms, should contact Mike Josifovic.
Donations
The following are examples of needed items:
- Meals, food items, and coffee shop gift cards
- Toiletries (such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, body lotion, hand sanitizer, face cloths, and deodorant)
- Feminine hygiene
- Incontinence support
- Clothing items (such as socks, underwear, sweatshirts, and hoodies)
- Waterproof backpacks and bags, reusable water bottles, and small containers
Members interested in providing donations to City’s Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre at 129 Peter St. can contact Mike Josifovic.
Employment Opportunities
The City is currently working on a safe and measured approach to providing work permits for newcomers. The BIA is working with the City on providing employment opportunities for individuals.
If you would like to be involved in this initiative, please contact Mike Josifovic.