South Fraser Refugee Readiness Team led by DIVERSEcity

As a response to the global humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, and now Ukraine, the Province of BC announced a new Refugee Readiness Fund to boost local services and supports for refugees from Afghanistan and any other country of origin, as well as displaced Ukrainians, resettling in the province. Through this fund, a Provincial Refugee Resource Network (PRRN) and six regional Refugee Readiness Teams (RRTs) were created to build community capacity, and support the regional coordination of resources, information sharing and data collection, as well as to provide critical temporary direct services for both government-sponsored and privately sponsored refugees. DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, which was the contract holder for the Fraser Valley Refugee Response Team in 2016–2017 during Operation Syrian Refugee, is now proud to be the contractor that oversees and coordinates the South Fraser Refugee Readiness Team (RRT).

The South Fraser region of the Lower Mainland, which includes Surrey, Delta, Langley, Tsawwassen and White Rock, is one of the fastest-growing regions in BC and has been the largest recipient of refugees in the province in recent years. The South Fraser RRT will bring 20+ members from community organizations, settlement agencies and other stakeholders from across this region together to create a community of support that will enhance services and supports for newcomer refugees and displaced Ukrainians.

“The Refugee Readiness Team allows for a community-driven, collaborative and coordinated approach to welcoming resettled refugees and displaced Ukrainians to the South Fraser region,” says Amanda Morrison, Project Manager, South Fraser Refugee Readiness Team.

“There are countless settlement and community organizations, faith-based and cultural groups, and community members who are helping these newcomers, and this initiative allows us to leverage our shared knowledge, expertise and capacity to enhance community readiness and respond to the needs of refugees as they rebuild their lives in BC,” she adds.

A Community Refugee Response Action Plan

Through community consultation and collaboration with various stakeholders across the region, the South Fraser RRT has developed a Community Refugee Response Action Plan that focuses on five main issue areas:

1.     Information, collaboration, referrals and community capacity building

2.     Housing

3.     Food justice

4.     Health care and mental health care

5.     Employment, language and skills development

Throughout the duration of the project, a number of short-term, non-duplicative and responsive activities and initiatives will be implemented under each issue area.

For more information on the South Fraser RRT, please email southfraserrrt@dcrs.ca.