Toronto Region Afghan Resettlement Fund Launched To Support Incoming Refugees

#Toronto #Afghan

The City of Toronto, together with United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT) and Lifeline Afghanistan are partnering to launch the Toronto Region Afghan Resettlement Fund to help support the incoming refugees from Afghanistan, according to a news release.

The new collaboration will provide direct resettlement support for the many Afghan refugees who will choose to live in Toronto from the at least 20,000 who will make Canada their new home.

Individuals or corporations can support the Fund by:

• Donating to United Way Greater Toronto, which will distribute funds to frontline community agencies helping Afghan individuals and families settle in the GTA.
• Donating goods or services to the City, such as school supplies, clothing, household items, and computers to support those resettling. A full list of items that are needed, as well as how to donate them, can be found here
• Engagement to support sponsoring families and individuals can be made through Lifeline Afghanistan

Lifeline Afghanistan is mobilizing individuals, community groups, post-secondary institutions, and corporations to support urgent resettlement efforts.

The organization is also encouraging and facilitating private sponsorship of Afghan refugees, as well supporting pathways to jobs, skills development, and education opportunities.

United Way Greater Toronto builds and strengthens a network of agencies that is the GTA’s social safety net. United Way’s ongoing funding for a network of community agencies – including settlement-focused agencies — supports programs that offer a range of services to support immigrants and refugees with basic survival needs.

Funds donated to the Toronto Region Afghan Resettlement Fund will support a variety of frontline community agencies that will help Afghan individuals and families settle into their new home, including providing housing and employment support, food, clothing, and community connections.

The City’s role includes accepting corporate or large-scale donations for distribution to community agencies; coordinating policies, strategies, and structures to respond to arrivals of newcomers and refugees through the Toronto Newcomer Office, and partner with United Way Greater Toronto, Lifeline Afghanistan, and other partners to coordinate support.

An advisory committee is being formed to strengthen partnerships and provide accountability for the management and distribution of the funds.