Raising awareness of the refugee crisis in Toronto
How DM&C supported housing and community advocates on the ground
- Aryana Singh
Kizito Musabimana, Executive Directive of the Rwandan Canadian Health Centre speaking in front of 129 Peter Street in Toronto on July 14, 2023 (left); Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow speaking at Revivaltime Tabernacle on July 28, 2023 (right).
In July 2023, more than 20 African community and housing advocates, including the Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre, joined together to bring attention to the increasing refugee crisis in Toronto’s downtown core. A lack of shelter spaces and adequate housing left refugee claimants — primarily of African origin — unhoused and without community services or support shortly after arriving at Pearson International Airport. Many camped outside of 129 Peter Street, the site of the Toronto Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre.
The issue
African community and housing advocates in Toronto are deeply concerned by what they see as a lack of action to address the homelessness crisis faced by racialized African refugee claimants. They feel that, despite being granted asylum, African refugees are not receiving the same level of government support in Canada compared to refugees from other parts of the world.
DAYO Media & Communications helped raise awareness of this critical issue by developing a bilingual media campaign, coordinating with church leadership and City of Toronto staff, and producing media assets including advisories, press releases and videos.
Press Conference #1: July 14, 2023
The first press conference was held outside of 129 Peter Street. Local and national French and English media outlets responded to cover the story, with many media outlets going live with the news. Community and housing advocates took to the podium and spoke passionately about the realities of the homelessness crisis while highlighting the need for more culturally relevant resources.
Event recap of July 14, 2023 press conference.
Speakers included:
Kizito Musabimana
Executive Director of the Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre
Diane Walters
Executive Director of Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services
Debbie Douglas
Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
Manny Wong
Executive Director of Christie Refugee Welcome Centre
Loly Rico
Executive Director of the FCJ Refugee Centre
Christopher Nkambwe
Chief Executive Officer of The African Centre for Refugees in Ontario-Canada
Pastor Eddie Jjumba
Dominion Church International-Toronto
Diana Mcnally
All Saints Toronto
Dr. Meb Rashid
Medical Director of The Crossroads Clinic, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto
Debbie Hill-Corrigan
Executive Director of Sojourn House
Siu Mee Cheng
Executive Director of Street Haven
Photos taken at 129 Peter St.
Press Conference #2: July 28, 2023
To raise further awareness, a second press conference was held in late July, where newly appointed Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow visited with refugees by touring the church shelters for the first time. Media from across Canada arrived to cover the conference, where Mayor Chow reaffirmed the City’s commitment to addressing homelessness. Mayor Chow was joined by the following community leaders and housing advocates:
- Pastor Judith James, of Revivaltime Tabernacle Church
- Pastor Eddie Jjumba, of Dominion Church International-Toronto
- Diane Walter, Executive Director of Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services
- Christopher Lordson, Executive Director of African Centre for Refugees in Ontario-Canada
Photos taken at Revivaltime Tabernacle Church
The results
These efforts led to significant media coverage across Canada. Following the conference and resulting media attention, the Canadian federal government committed to allocating $100 million dollars to assist refugees in Toronto. The media coverage also raised awareness among the wider public, encouraging numerous Torontonians to donate bedding, toiletries and clothing to help those experiencing homelessness.
Related media coverage
City News
Broadview
CP24
Toronto Star
The Globe and Mail
CTV News
CBC News
Project team
Dayo Kefentse – Managing Director
Natassia Morris – Project Manager
Aryana Singh – Marketing Coordinator
Adam Power – Lead Digital Designer, Video Producer
Khalia Badawi – Intern and Event Photographer
