2024 $50,000 Grant
New Hope Community Services helps newcomer refugee families rebuild their lives in Canada by providing housing and a welcoming community. Its residents were forced to leave their home countries under traumatic circumstances. They arrive with limited resources, often with little knowledge of our culture and facing language barriers.
At its building in Surrey’s Whalley neighbourhood, New Hope offers 10 refugee families independent housing at below market rates. They are supported by a team of staff, as well as three Canadian volunteer families who also live in the building to help newcomers learn about our community and to assist them in getting comfortable in this new city they call home. Refugee families live in the building for up to 18 months and are supported by the New Hope team and various settlement agencies as they learn a new language, register their children in school, prepare for and locate work, and eventually, find permanent housing.
Two years ago, arson resulted in damage to New Hope’s property, leaving many residents feeling unsafe due to the lack of secure fencing around the development. Through our grant, New Hope was able to install an attractive and effective fence around the entire property, with access controlled by residents. Repairs to paved areas and construction of a ramp leading to the building’s entrance enhanced accessibility and provided a safe, secure place for children to enjoy outdoor play and for all residents to come together.