Let’s Go Beyond Vulnerable

The knock came on our front door at 7:30 pm one Friday evening.  Opening it, I saw two men standing on the front porch:  one with a suitcase, whom I didn’t recognize; the other, an old friend.  Greeting me with a big hug, Muteba* reminded that he’d stood on this very porch in 1999, having just arrived from one of Africa’s most troubled countries.  Now, fourteen years later, he stood with a newcomer named Claude.

As we sat down in the living room Muteba interpreted for Claude.  Claude had just arrived in Canada, needing help and a place to sleep.

Muteba leaned toward me and said, “I remember so clearly my experience of arriving in Canada – I didn’t know anyone, I had no place to stay, and I was afraid.  I am doing everything I can to help Claude, because I know what it feels like to be so vulnerable.  I hope Claude can live at Kinbrace, just as I was able to.”

My heart sank.  We had no room for Claude.

Over the years we’ve learned that the first days and weeks are critical for newcomers to Canada, especially for people seeking refugee protection.  If they don’t get the right supports quickly, and basic needs aren’t met, life gets harder and vulnerability increases.

I longed to be able to give Claude everything that Kinbrace offers:  a clean bed in a warm apartment, orientation, education, and accompaniment; full support with an offer of trusting relationships.

Ongoing vulnerability is common among newcomers in the refugee protection system.  When they don’t receive adequate housing or good help with the refugee protection process, they struggle.  Family separation and barriers to medical care in Canada increase their challenges.  This prolonged vulnerability keeps people from realizing their potential or often grinds them down to a deep sadness and desperation. The more quickly newcomers experience a sense of belonging, the sooner they have opportunities to flourish and contribute.

We couldn’t provide housing for Claude that night, but we managed to secure temporary shelter for the weekend with the help of partnering agencies.  After a meal, and equipped with resources and referrals, Claude departed with Muteba, still carrying his suitcase.

Our dream is that every person seeking refugee protection finds good housing and the help they need, when they need it.

This dream becomes reality in big and small ways each day at Kinbrace through the actions and financial support of caring people locally and across Canada. Investing in the lives of newcomers strengthens our communities and country; together we move beyond being vulnerable to belonging.