A London city councillor, backed by the mayor, says shelters in London are facing "unprecedented challenges" that include an influx of asylum claimants, and hopes the federal and provincial governments will step up to help.
Ward 7 Councillor Corinne Rahman and Mayor Josh Morgan have signed a letter that's been sent to the city's Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee. Both are hoping for support on council to lobby upper levels of government for funding to help the shelters provide services to those asylum claimants.
"It is important that the City of London and all levels of Government recognize how the influx of asylum seekers is hindering emergency shelters from serving their intended purpose, " the letter says. "This is because these shelters lack sufficient programs to help asylum seekers transition out of overnight temporary housing, and newcomers don't have the same access to programs."
The letter states that the Cross Cultural Learner Centre and Mission Services have entered a partnership to support asylum seekers, but need more resources to accomplish that.
"In order to meet the settlement needs of those staying in our shelters, they are seeking funding from the Province of Ontario, throught the Ministry of Labour, Immirgration, Traning and Skills Development," the letter says. "They are looking to hire staff to provide settlement counselling, permanent housing, and job search support."
Rahman and Morgan are asking their council colleagues to support having staff report back to council on the impact of asylum seekers on the local shelter system, and to lobby the Ontario and federal governments for additional funding.
