Community Stakeholders Meet To Plan For Syrian Refugee Arrivals

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A host of community stakeholders met Thursday at the Caboto Club to continue planning for the pending arrival of Government assisted Syrian Refugees and the Privately Sponsored Refugees.

The meeting was led by Community Development and Health Commissioner Jelena Payne and Kathleen Thomas, Executive Director, Multicultural Council and provided the most up to date information on the Syrian refugee situation and an opportunity for sectors to share best practices and discuss opportunities to enhance supports for the Syrian refugees and all immigrants who will make Windsor their new home.

“The Syrian refugee situation has created a platform for important discussion about enhancing existing supports and developing new supports which promote successful settlement for the incoming Syrian refugees and is equally important for all immigrants who have come to Windsor and will come to Windsor in the future”, said Payne.

“The Multicultural Council welcomes refugees to Windsor on a daily basis”, said MCC Executive Director Kathleen Thomas. “This situation is unique due to the potential number who could arrive over a short period of time but we’re confident that the Windsor community will be well prepared and welcoming”.

Taking part in the planning exercise were representatives from key sectors such as the health and mental health sectors, education, settlement, language and orientation, community supports, the housing sector and more.

The City of Windsor website has pages set up with information to help residents understand what’s being planned with links on how they can help. The City’s 311 Call Centre is also taking names and offers of assistance.

At this point there is no specific word on when the Government assisted refugees will arrive in Windsor, or how many will come, but the city is in a strong position to help due to the work of all the community agencies and the strong Syrian community already here.