Accelerating Humanitarian Response: Refugee Services
In a world where global crises force individuals and families to flee their homes, COSTI is resolutely committed to addressing the pressing needs of refugees seeking safety and shelter in Canada.
Our compassionate support includes essential services such as temporary housing, comprehensive information, and orientation to life in Canada and in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We assist individuals in navigating local systems, accessing community resources, understanding cultural norms and accessing transformative social support opportunities. These services help displaced individuals and families find stability and build a new life in the GTA.
In 2023/24, COSTI maintained its core refugee services programs:
- Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP): Supported 1,647 Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) with immediate services and tailored plans
- Client Support Services (CSS): Empowered 5,149 GARs to establish new lives and navigate their communities with intensive, community-based assistance
- Hostel Services: Provided temporary shelter and supportive care to over 1,442 refugee claimants and homeless families across four locations in Toronto and York Region.
As a key RAP provider, COSTI has supported 4,950 Afghan GARs in Canada since August 2021, contributing to the national goal of welcoming 40,000 Afghan refugees into Canada since the evacuations began. Operating from four locations, we offered immediate essential services, such as temporary accommodation and orientation on Canadian culture and laws and provided personalized settlement plans including access to language classes, employment services and community connections to aid their integration into Canadian society.
Additionally, COSTI partnered with the Rexdale Community Health Centre for its Community Kitchen Program, a heartwarming initiative that brought together 54 families to cook and share meals, nurturing community ties and promoting well-being.
newcomers and refugees supported
Government-Assisted Refugees supported
refugee claimants and homeless families served through Hostel Services
individuals received client support services
families connected through Community Kitchen Program
