For Sponsors
Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP)
This a program designed to support the Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) of Canada, their Constituent Groups, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors on a national level (excl. Quebec). Support and information is available to sponsors at every stage of the sponsorship process; sponsors can call 1-877-290-1701 for free.
Sponsor a refugee - Government of Canada
Find out the three different ways Canadians can sponsor refugees and help bring them to come to Canada.
Responsibilities of Sponsoring groups
Learn about the responsibilities of a sponsoring group.
Financial responsibilities of private sponsors
Learn about financial responsibilities and requirements for private sponsors
Post-arrival roles
Learn about post-arrival roles and collaboration between refugees, sponsors and settlement workers.
Local Information on Supporting Refugees
Some municipalities and regional organizations have webpages about settlement agencies and how your community can help.
Lifeline Syria
Lifeline Syria will recruit, train and assist sponsor groups to welcome and support Syrian refugees coming to Canada to resettle in the GTA.
I Want to Volunteer
SPARK Ontario
A bilingual online volunteer database that supports province-wide volunteer recruitment by compiling opportunities and other resources. You can make a volunteer profile and search for opportunities using your unique skills (i.e. Arabic language skills).
Volunteer Centres in Ontario
The Volunteer Centre nearest to you is a great way to find a volunteer opportunity that suits you. Once you have found your local volunteer centre, contact them to learn about the available volunteer opportunities and related services that they provide and can offer you.
I Have Housing to Offer
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Service Provider Organizations in Ontario
RAP services include Reception Houses that are short term homes for government-assisted refugees. These houses provide temporary accommodation for up to two weeks for newly arrived refugees.
Ontario Municipalities
If you want to offer housing in support of refugees, contact your municipality directly. This is a list of all of Ontario's municipalities based on the latest information provided to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities and Marketplace Exchange)
The Woodgreen Community Services in collaboration with the City of Toronto have a program called H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities and Marketplace Exchange) that matches refugees with housing, furniture, clothes and other services donated by individuals and companies. Refugees, sponsors, landlords or donors must register for access to H.O.M.E online
I Have Furniture to Donate
The Furniture Bank
This Toronto-based non-profit has a program in place to help Syrian newcomers address their immediate furniture needs.
JRCC Furniture Depot
This York Region-based Furniture Depot is a not for profit organization that aims to give free furniture to families and individuals in need.
Salvation Army Thrift Stores
This charitable not-for-profit organization accepts new and gently used household goods and clothing.
Goodwill
This organization in Western Ontario accepts new and gently used household goods and clothing.
Local Settlement Agency
You can also check with a local settlement agency to see if they are accepting donations for refugees.
I Want to Give Money
Syrian Refugees - Ontario Government
Ontario will soon welcome thousands of Syrian refugees. Learn what the province is doing to prepare and how you can help.
#WelcomeRefugees - IRCC
Find out what the Government of Canada is doing to welcome Syrian refugees, how this initiative will work and how Canadians can get involved.
Settlement Information & Community Services
Settlement.Org
This website provides newcomers, and community members, with answers to common questions, trustworthy information and resources to help newcomers settle in their new home.
Call 2-1-1 Ontario
At any time of the day you can call 2-1-1 for free and confidential help in 150 languages. Call to find out about resources and services in your community that meet your needs.
Settlement Agencies in Your Area
There are hundreds of agencies ready to help all newcomers including refugees. Find one near you.
Pre-Arrival Settlement Services
Understanding life in Canada is one step toward a successful settlement.
To help you get there, here is a list of pre-arrival settlement services:
Next Stop Canada can help you:
- Get accurate information from trusted sources
- Prepare for your move to Canada
- Get your education, work experience and credential recognized in Canada
- Connect with free services after you arrive in Canada
- With job search support
- Employment counselling
- Workplace culture training
- Referral to a wide range of post-arrival services
Settlement Information in Arabic
Resources in Arabic
This page will be updated regularly with Arabic content important for newly arriving refugees and their sponsors/supporters.