London, Ontario is experiencing an influx of asylum seekers that is putting pressure on the city’s emergency shelter system. A report showed that nearly 12 per cent of permanent shelter bed usage was taken up by asylum claimants between May and March, with shelters operating over capacity. This has led to concerns that even more asylum claimants may be living unsheltered, as the data is based on self-reporting. The city is also facing increasing costs for short-term hotel accommodations for asylum claimant families until space opens up at the Rotholme family shelter. The federal government has been assisting with temporary funding for asylum seekers in other cities, but as people relocate to London, the city’s shelter system is feeling the strain.
London has seen an increase in individuals identifying as asylum claimants using the emergency shelter system since late spring 2023. Many of these individuals have connections to friends, family, services, and faith group supports in the area, making London a natural choice for seeking refuge and support. Asylum claimants are generally ineligible for federal income and housing funds while their claim is being processed, further complicating the situation. City staff are applying for federal funding through the Interim Housing Assistance Program, but it may be too late to secure funding for the current year. Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis expressed frustration with the federal government’s deadline for funding applications, especially considering the ongoing housing crisis and the continuous influx of asylum seekers.
Mayor Josh Morgan emphasized the importance of providing services to asylum seekers and working in partnership with the federal government. He stated that it is not productive to point fingers and that collaboration is key to addressing the needs of asylum seekers in the city. Craig Cooper, the city’s director of housing stability services, explained that the pressures posed by an increase in asylum seekers began earlier in the year. The city is focused on understanding the application process and connection with the federal Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to potentially secure funding for the following year. The city is working to ensure that they are in a good position to address the needs of asylum seekers in the future.
The issue of asylum seekers in London highlights the challenges faced by cities in accommodating individuals seeking refuge. The influx of asylum seekers has strained the city’s emergency shelter system, leading to overcapacity and increased costs for temporary accommodations. The lack of federal funding for asylum claimants while their claims are being processed adds to the complexity of the situation. City officials are working to secure funding through the Interim Housing Assistance Program, but the timing may impact their ability to provide adequate support for asylum seekers in the current year. Collaboration with the federal government is essential in addressing the needs of asylum seekers and ensuring that they are provided with the necessary services and support.
The increase in asylum seekers relocating to London has prompted the need for additional resources and support to address their housing and shelter needs. The city is grappling with the ongoing influx of asylum seekers and the strain it is placing on the existing shelter system. City officials are working to understand the application process for federal funding and establish connections with relevant government departments to secure funding for future years. The situation underscores the importance of proactive planning and collaboration between different levels of government to effectively respond to the needs of asylum seekers and ensure they are provided with the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives in a new country.
