Every year, refugees come to Canada seeking asylum from war, violence, and persecution. However, their hopes for a smooth transition are often shattered as soon as they arrive on Canadian soil. Many find themselves living in homeless shelters, such as Khairiya Abdul-Mumin and Nawal Abdulkarim, both refugees from Ghana who found themselves pregnant and living in a shelter in Calgary with no money and no other options. Abdul-Mumin arrived at the airport with only $50, which she used for an Uber ride to the shelter where she spent three months in uncomfortable conditions due to her pregnancy. Meanwhile, Abdulkarim, also pregnant and fleeing for her life, faced similar struggles with finding help and support in her new country.
Spending months in shelters is a common struggle for many refugees who arrive and declare themselves at the port of entry. Kelly Ernst, Chief Program Officer at the Centre for Newcomers, acknowledges that many refugees end up at their center directly from the airport due to full shelters. Refugee claimants are becoming the largest population in shelters in Calgary, highlighting the need for more sustainable solutions. Abdul-Mumin and Abdulkarim both fled their home country and city due to fear of persecution, with Abdul-Mumin specifically fleeing anti-LGBTQ violence and stigmatization. Ernst notes that the number of LGBTQ refugee claimants seeking help has significantly increased, with many coming from countries that have criminalized this population.
Both women highlight the support they have received from their husbands, who themselves are refugees facing danger for standing by their wives. Abdulkarim expresses her hope to bring her children to Canada to provide them with better opportunities, emphasizing her desire for them to have a good education and a safer environment. Meanwhile, Abdul-Mumin hopes to secure a good job and reunite with her husband and daughter in Canada. Despite the challenges they have faced, the women were eventually connected to the organization Hands Lifting Hearts, which provided them with support and resources, including assistance during childbirth and finding a home, clothing, food, and supplies. With this newfound support network, they are beginning to see a brighter future and feel hopeful about their prospects in Canada.
The struggles faced by refugees in adjusting to a new life in Canada are evident in the experiences of Abdul-Mumin and Abdulkarim, who were forced to flee their home country under dangerous circumstances. Their stories shed light on the challenges faced by refugee claimants in finding shelter, support, and resources upon arrival in Canada. The increase in LGBTQ refugee claimants seeking help also highlights the need for specialized services and programs to assist this vulnerable population. Despite the hardships they have faced, the support they received from organizations like Hands Lifting Hearts has enabled Abdul-Mumin and Abdulkarim to start rebuilding their lives in Canada and look towards a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Overall, the experiences of these two women underscore the importance of providing adequate support and resources to refugees as they navigate the challenging process of resettlement in Canada. By addressing the specific needs of LGBTQ refugees and other vulnerable populations, organizations can help ensure a smoother transition and increase the likelihood of successful integration into Canadian society. Through continued efforts to support refugees, Canada can uphold its commitment to welcoming and assisting those in need of protection and sanctuary.
