Refugee advocates worry about rent costs as more than 900 refugees set to arrive

With more than 900 refugees set to arrive in Manitoba before the end of December, Rita Chahal is worried about where they will live. She says if a rent supplement under the former NDP government is not revived, she doesn't know how newcomers will be able to pay their rent without dipping into their food money or federal child benefit.

Chahal is the executive director of the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council that runs Welcome Place.

"About 30 refugees are coming this week and more will continue to come until the end of December," she says. "While agencies are doing what they can to get ready for the next wave, a lack of affordable housing could cause a bottleneck in the system."

A spokesperson for the Manitoba government said there are ongoing conversations about providing additional rent subsidies to refugees but cautioned the province faces "serious fiscal constraints."

"Manitoba's new government is pursuing new and innovative approaches in helping refugees to adjust, find work in the community and be a productive part of Manitoba's inclusive society," said Ian Wishart, minister of education and training in an email.

Chahal warned of a domino effect if Manitoba isn't able to provide permanent housing to the newcomers.

"They will be stuck longer in temporary accommodations, and some of the integration that needs to happen doesn't kick in till they move. It will take longer for children to be placed in schools, longer for getting settled in a neighbourhood, and longer to find medical care and support in a community," she said. "Getting them into permanent housing is absolutely critical."

Uncertainty over rent supplement

​The former provincial government set up a rent support program so refugees could transition from temporary housing into a permanent home within a few weeks. But that program has run out, Chahal said. The new Progressive Conservative government has not said whether it will be reinstated.

"We have let the provincial government know what the need is. We have to trust they are looking at all options available for them, and we are happy to provide any more information they may need for us," she said.

Chahal is anxious new families arriving will have to pay full market rent if they can't get into subsidized places, something she says they just can't afford.

"All we want to hear sooner than later is what the plan is. We very much want to know about the reinstatement of the rent supplement, if it will happen."

Chahal says landlords are ready and willing to rent units.

"But if the refugees can't afford the rent, how are we going to move them out of temporary locations?" she wonders.

On average, Chahal says the supplement covered about half of the monthly rent.