Edmonton’s Rainbow Refuge seeks funding for surge of 2SLGBTQ+ refugees
Abstract
The Rainbow Refuge, part of the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, has put Edmonton on the map as a safe and supportive city for 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees. Rainbow Refuge provides counselling, legal services, housing, employment and community, but with only 3 staff and limited funding, the program is struggling. Members have tripled in the past year, where the program now serves more than 600 people from over 60 countries. Stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees are also shared in the article.
Notes
Key populations: 2SLGBTQ+ refugees who now live in Edmonton
Location: Edmonton, AB
Open access: Yes
Community organizations: Rainbow Refuge (part of the Edmonton Newcomer Centre)
Future research / gaps identified: n/a
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
1) The Rainbow Refuge program, which provides counselling, legal services, housing, employment and community for 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees, has put Edmonton on the map as a safe and supportive city for queer and trans refugees.
2) Membership has surged to more than 600 people, and has tripled over the past year.
3) The government doesn’t fund refugee claimants, and with just three staff, Rainbow Refuge have scraped together money from a city grant, donors, partners and fundraisers. “We try our best to support everyone, but with this high number, we are really struggling,” staff Abou Hamrah said.
4) Members of Rainbow Refuge comprise of refugees from more than 60 countries, where 60% of members are from Uganda.
5) Multiples stories from Rainbow Refuge members are highlighted in the article.
Key recommendations: n/a