Where Will They Go? The Urgent Question Facing Refugees in Cornwall

The recent announcement that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will not be renewing its contract with the DEV Centre in Cornwall has sent shockwaves through our community. The centre, which has been a critical haven for refugees seeking safety and a new start, now faces an uncertain future. With the termination set for July 31, the pressing question is: where are these refugees supposed to go?

For years, the DEV Centre has been more than just a shelter; it has been a symbol of hope and resilience. Refugees who fled conflict, persecution, and unimaginable hardships found solace and support within its walls. The centre offered not just a roof over their heads, but a lifeline through various services—language classes, job training, and mental health support. These services are crucial in helping refugees integrate and become self-sufficient members of our community.

Many refugees who found refuge at the DEV Centre have successfully integrated into our community. They have found jobs, built relationships, and started new lives here in Cornwall. Their contributions to our local economy and society are significant. They work in various sectors, from healthcare to retail, and their presence enriches our community. Make no mistake about it, they ADD value to this City; they reflect the beauty of this vast and amazing world we live in.

The end of the contract raises serious concerns about the fate of these individuals and families. Without the support of the DEV Centre, many refugees may find themselves on the brink of homelessness. This possibility should alarm us all, not just as compassionate human beings, but as responsible members of society. Yet, what I am seeing on Social Media in response to the announcement is less than empathetic.

When have we become so mean, so heartless that we “clap” at the news that some 537 people will potentially end up on the streets?

Canada prides itself on being a beacon of hope and a land of opportunity for those fleeing oppression and seeking a better life. Our reputation as a welcoming and inclusive nation is at stake. When we welcome refugees into our country, we assume a moral and social responsibility to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. Allowing them to fall into homelessness and destitution would be a profound failure of that responsibility.

It’s not just about providing temporary housing; it’s about creating a pathway to a stable and productive future. Hopefully, local government, community organizations, and residents will rally together to find sustainable solutions.

Where will they go? How will they find housing in this economy? It’s a question that demands an immediate and compassionate response.