Toronto shelter workers are raising concerns about the particularly difficult holiday season for refugee claimants, as colder weather and feelings of loneliness weigh heavily on those living in shelters. Many individuals, including newcomers, are facing their first holiday season away from family, further intensifying the emotional challenges they endure.
Michalina Seidl, a case manager at Bethlehem United, emphasized the isolation felt by people during this time. “Whether you’re a newcomer experiencing your first Christmas away from loved ones or a Canadian-born individual separated from family, the holiday season can be a reminder of being far from home,” Seidl said. “People in shelters are often the most vulnerable—it’s important to remember to show kindness, as we never know what someone is going through.”
Valentina Diaz, a manager at the Fred Victor Bethlehem United Shelter, explained that the holiday season exacerbates the emotional burden already carried by those facing homelessness. “Going through life hardships on your own is especially challenging for people living on the streets or in shelters,” Diaz said.
A significant portion of Toronto’s homeless population consists of refugee claimants, with numbers rising in 2023. By the end of the year, nearly 4,200 refugee claimants were using the city’s shelter system, up from 2,500 earlier in the year. Diaz noted that shelters have had to adjust to accommodate the growing number of refugees arriving in the city with no resources or support networks.
In an effort to alleviate some of the isolation, Diaz’s shelter hosted a holiday event featuring music, games, and food. “We try to make the holiday season as joyful as possible, creating a sense of community where residents can support and rely on each other,” Diaz added.
Earlier this month, Toronto’s Ombudsman Kwame Addo released a report criticizing the city’s May 2023 decision to limit refugee claimants’ access to shelter beds. The report stated that the decision was inconsistent with city policies and amounted to systemic racism, as some refugees were turned away from shelters despite available beds. While the ombudsman’s report included several recommendations for the city, City Manager Paul Johnson disagreed with the findings and stated that no further action would be taken in response.