Edmonton’s Rainbow Refuge a safe haven for LGBTQ+ newcomers
Abstract
The Rainbow Refuge Program (through the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, formerly called the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers) provides settlement services, housing support, settlement support and community building for 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers in Edmonton. Since the start of the program, the acceptance rate of 2SLGBTQ+ refugee claims in Edmonton has increased exponentially.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
Key populations: LGBTQ+ newcomers in Edmonton
Key recommendations: n/a
Community organizations: Edmonton Newcomer Centre
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
1) The Edmonton Newcomer Centre’s Rainbow Refuge program provides settlement, housing, mental health and community building services for LGBTQ+ newcomers in Edmonton.
2) Before the program 50-60% of LGBTQ+ refugee claims were accepted. Now with the program (as of 2021), 97% of LGBTQ+ refugee claims in Edmonton have been accepted.
3) Their weekly community support group has grown from 7 people to more than 150 LGBTQ+ newcomers from more than 48 countries.
4) The Rainbow Refuge Program has been recognized internationally for its work.
Location: Edmonton, AB
Open access: Yes