How Albertans can help

We’d like to thank the countless Albertans who’ve shown incredible support of Syrian refugees who need our help.

Albertans are opening their hearts and their homes to those fleeing violence abroad. We’ve done this in the past, and we’ll continue to support others in their time of greatest need.

Find out how to help with refugee resettlement in Alberta. New information will be posted as it becomes available.

Donate

Immigrant-serving agencies

Across Alberta, immigrant-serving agencies are working to support the resettlement of refugees in their new communities by providing:

• newcomer outreach
• orientation
• information and referral
• supportive counseling
• employment readiness
• other services

Find an agency in your area to see how you can help

Syria Emergency Relief Fund

In September 2015, the Government of Canada launched the Syria Emergency Relief Fund to support humanitarian relief efforts in response to the impact of the conflict in Syria.

• Donate to the Syria Emergency Relief Fund

Volunteer

Settlement agencies

As refugees arrive in your area, they’ll be in need of almost everything. Alberta’s immigrant-serving agencies are working to support the resettlement of refugees, and provide programs, housing support and other services.

• Find an agency in your area to see how you can help

Sponsor

Syrian refugee resettlement can be supported in the following ways:

Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs)

The federal government will cover resettlement costs for up to 1 year after refugees arrive in Canada. Learn about the Government-Assisted Refugee Program.

Privately-Sponsored Refugees (PSRs)

Private sponsors in Canada can provide financial and other settlement support for refugees for up to 3 years.

If you or your group would like to help, find out how to sponsor a refugee.

Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR)

Under this program, the federal government and private sponsors share the costs to assist refugees. To learn more, watch a video on how this program works.

Training for sponsors

Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) supports the Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) of Canada, their Constituent Groups, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors.

Provide housing

Having safe and stable housing is crucial to the successful resettlement of Syrian refugees. Most refugees who come here will live in private accommodations and pay market rent, assisted by federal government rent supplements.

If you have a unit available for rent

Landlords in Edmonton and Red Deer who have affordable units available to rent can sign up with a housing registry.

• Contact Edmonton Catholic Social Services to sign up