Journey Home Community Association

Overview

Journey Home Community Association is a Canadian nonprofit organization focused on providing support to refugee claimants. As a faith-based organization, it emphasizes creating caring communities that offer housing, settlement support, and opportunities for connection, inspired by principles of love and inclusivity.

History

Journey Home Community Association began its journey in late 2005 as a grassroots initiative by a small community group aware of the challenges faced by homeless refugee claimant families arriving in Metro Vancouver. Initially, with limited resources and a small team, the organization aimed to provide housing, support, and friendship to these families. Over the years, it has grown to successfully assist hundreds of refugees, with a notable impact in 2022, supporting 184 individuals in their settlement process.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Journey Home Community Association is to create a supportive environment where refugee claimants can find hope and belonging. It envisions a society where all refugees experience meaningful participation in their community and flourish in all aspects of life. The organization seeks to provide transitional housing, case management, and walk-alongside support through programs like Welcome Homes and Meanwhile Spaces. These programs offer short-term housing solutions followed by assistance in securing more permanent homes.

Programs

• Welcome Homes: This program provides short-term transitional housing (typically 3-4 months) in a community-supported environment. Participants receive wrap-around case management until they achieve more permanent housing solutions.
• Meanwhile Spaces: Similar to Welcome Homes, this program utilizes temporarily available spaces to offer short-term housing solutions. It also supports refugees in transitioning to more stable housing options.
• Communities of Welcome: Inspired by Canada’s Private Sponsorship Program, Journey Home Community Association trains community groups to support refugee claimant families for a year. This includes providing housing and facilitating access to settlement services.

Legal Status

Journey Home Community Association is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency under the Business Number 810207548RR0001, enabling it to issue tax receipts for donations. This status recognizes the organization's compliance with CRA requirements.

Impact

The association's efforts have significantly contributed to the successful integration of refugee claimants into Canadian society. By offering a holistic approach that combines housing, support, and community engagement, Journey Home Community Association helps asylum-seeking families build a new life in Canada.

Values

The organization values inclusivity and welcomes individuals from all religious, racial, national, and social backgrounds. It aims to create an environment where refugees can exercise freedom in making their own choices as they adapt to their new life in Canada.

[1] https://journeyhomecommunity.ca [2] https://journeyhomecommunity.ca/who-we-are [3] https://kitsforacause.com/charities/journey-home-community-association/ [4] https://ccrweb.ca/en/org/journey-home-community-association [5] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/journey-home-community-association/