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Raising awareness of the refugee crisis in Toronto

How DM&C supported housing and community advocates on the ground

Kizito Musabimana on the lest and Mayor Olivia Chow on the right both standing behind podiums speaking to a crowd

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.

Bedding and personal effects of the refugees staying at the Revivaltimes Tabernacle Church
Temporary shelter at Revivaltime Tabernacle in Toronto. July 2023.

Press Conference #1: July 14, 2023

Event recap of July 14, 2023 press conference.

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.

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, of the Dominion Church International-Toronto
  • Diana Mcnally, of 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.

Diane Walter standing behind a podium speaking to cameras with a crown behind her at 129 Peter Street
Kizito Musabimana standing behind a podium speaking to cameras with a crown behind him at 129 Peter Street
Kizito Musabimana standing beside Debbie Hill-Corrigan and Loly Rico speaking to cameras with a crown behind them at 129 Peter Street
Manny Wong standing behind a podium speaking to cameras with a crown behind him at 129 Peter Street
Loly Rico standing behind a podium speaking to cameras with a crown behind her at 129 Peter Street
Diane Walter standing behind a podium speaking to cameras with a crown behind her at 129 Peter Street
Mr. Asuman standing behind a podium speaking to cameras with a crown behind him at 129 Peter Street

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
Event recap of July 28, 2023 press conference.

Photos taken at Revivaltime Tabernacle Church

Mayor Olivia Chow standing beside Pastor Judith looking at the refugee living area in Revivaltimes Tabernacle Church with a crowd behind them
Pastor Judith speaking behind a podium to cameras with a crowd behind her in Revivaltimes Tabernacle Church
Diane Walter speaking behind a podium to cameras with a crowd behind her in Revivaltimes Tabernacle Church
Christopher Lordson speaking behind a podium to cameras with a crowd behind him in Revivaltimes Tabernacle Church
Mayor Olivia Chow speaking behind a podium to cameras with a crowd behind her in Revivaltimes Tabernacle Church
Pastor Judith standing beside Mayor Olivia Chow speaking behind a podium to cameras with a crowd behind her in Revivaltimes Tabernacle Church
Mayor Olivia Chow behind a podium speaking to a man in the crowd in Revivaltimes 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

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