From January to April, 1,077 Czech Roma citizens have flooded Toronto, Peel and Halton Regions, to escape fire bombings and beatings in their country. They arrive with only their luggage and the hope that Canada will allow them to stay for good.
Salvation Army shelter and support systems continue to serve those waiting to meet with immigration officers who decide their future in Ontario.
“We’ve been at overflow since the influx began,” says Joann Lameck, executive director of The Salvation Army’s Peel Region Emergency Residential Shelter program.
“Sixty-one percent of our clientele are Roma asylum-seekers. Roma families are crammed into two shelters and two hotels. We are feeding more than 250 people a day in two or three sittings. Beyond shelter and food, we provide clothes, bus tickets and case workers who assist them with immigration and housing.”
The Czech Republic has suddenly become one of Canada’s top seven sources of refugees.
In Halton Region, Salvation Army Family Shelter Co-ordinator, Carol Willem-Payne, says the asylum-seekers are very needy of support and service. “We provide emergency aid to those temporarily housed in local hotels. Many come with young children and need food, clothes and baby-care items.
“There is a language barrier and through translation services we provide housing information and make other referrals. The Salvation Army responds to the need at the moment.”
Marek Belez fled the Czech Republic two months ago and has found temporary home at The Salvation Army shelter in Mississauga. As he enjoys a hardy lunch he says, “The Salvation Army gives us food, they give us a bed. We can sleep. It’s very nice.”
Shelters across Ontario are reaching capacity and staff will meet next week with provincial and federal officials to determine what additional resources are needed to handle the influx.
