Expanding Our Support Program: A New Pilot Project with COMPASS Refugee Centre

Stephanie Goertz, Director & Founder of Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis (16267661 Canada Association)

Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis has now been supporting displaced Ukrainians for three years. Since the end of February 2022, we have built a strong, community-driven support program that has helped thousands of Ukrainians find housing, employment, social connections, and a sense of belonging in Canada. Over the past three years, we have mobilized over 1,000 volunteers in the Waterloo Region, fundamentally changing how newcomers are supported.

Thanks to our volunteers and donors, we have made a real difference in the lives of Ukrainians.

Now, we are expanding our impact through a pilot project with COMPASS Refugee Centre to extend our Ukrainian Support Program to Refugee Claimants—many of whom have been living in local homeless shelters. These individuals, much like the Ukrainians we serve, have fled war, violence, and persecution, arriving in Canada with no social connections and little support.

What This Means for Volunteers and the Community

• Our mission remains the same: We are committed to helping people in crisis build stable lives in Canada through essential support, social inclusion, and strong community networks.

• We are NOT shifting our focus away from Ukrainians: Ukrainian newcomers remain our priority, and we will ensure that donations and resources continue to support them. Without ongoing support, we would have to reduce services for the Ukrainian families who still depend on us.

• Volunteers can choose how they want to help. You can continue supporting Ukrainian newcomers exclusively or assist Refugee Claimants as well. We respect and appreciate every volunteer’s personal choice.

• We will start incorporating Refugee Claimants into our guest houses and host network: Many of these individuals have been staying in homeless shelters. Our program will give them a safe place to live, either in one of our guest houses or with host families, while connecting them to essential services and employment opportunities.

• We are reviewing our donation policies. If donors want their contributions to support only Ukrainians, we will ensure that happens. Most of our clients are still Ukrainian newcomers, and we thank everyone for their continued generosity.

Why We’re Expanding Now

With news that the U.S. may deport over 240,000 Ukrainians, we could see a new wave of Ukrainian arrivals in Canada. We are prepared to continue prioritizing Ukrainians while also recognizing that we have extra capacity to help others in need.

Refugee Claimants share similar challenges with Ukrainians, yet many are struggling in the homeless system. This pilot project allows us to test whether our successful support model can help another vulnerable group.

In addition, we will be expanding our support for Refugee Claimants who are not in the homeless system by connecting them with social buddies and community networks—just as we’ve done successfully for Ukrainians.

What Programs Will Be Expanded to Refugee Claimants?

• Social Support

• Food Hampers

• Educational and Hygiene Kits

• Clothing Assistance

• Transportation

• English Classes for Those in Guest Houses

• Documentation Support

• Translation Assistance

• Guest Houses

• Host Families

We are still working out the details with our teams and will listen closely to volunteers coordinating these programs to ensure we find solutions that take everyone’s perspectives into account. This may involve creating new partnerships and forming additional teams.

Thank You for Your Support!

Three years ago, we started as a grassroots movement to help Ukrainians in crisis. Today, we remain deeply committed to that mission while also exploring ways to assist others in similar circumstances.

We could not have built this program without our incredible community of volunteers and donors. As we continue to support Ukrainians and expand to help others in need, we deeply appreciate your involvement, feedback, and generosity.

Together, we are making Canada a more welcoming place for those who need it most.

To get involved in volunteering with other vulnerable groups of the local community, fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7GW57zsUMLQXG7m3ArUPYDDixifKy7xk51PgpQVK-elOtDg/viewform

COMPASS Refugee Center and Grassroots Response Team

If you have any questions or want to know more, we’d love to hear from you!

wrgrassrootsresponse@gmail.com

mob. tel.: 519-242-8524