Abstract

This qualitative research paper examines the roles of frontline workers who work in refugee-specific shelters in Toronto, and whose tasks involve finding housing for refugee claimants. Four participants from different shelters were interviewed and were asked about the barriers that they face when fulfilling this role. These types of barriers are those that FLWs experience on behalf of their clients, in addition to barriers that FLWs experience in their workplace which can impact the success of their work. This paper reflects on these findings using an Anti-Oppressive Practice framework. Findings reveal that the participants experience a range of discrimination against their clients by landlords, in addition to stigma surrounding unemployment, welfare recipients, and newcomers. Participants also face difficulties fulfilling their client’s expectations of housing that is available in Toronto. Furthermore, participants face barriers at their workplace such as working over time and being understaffed. Keywords: Refugee claimants, frontline workers, housing, Toronto

Highlights

  • This paper addresses the following research questions: 1) What is the process for finding housing for refugees in refugee shelters in Toronto? 2) What barriers do frontline workers (FLWs) face when searching for housing? 3) How do FLWs navigate these barriers? 4) Do their work conditions affect how they perform their work? 5) What policy recommendations could be implemented to alleviate the barriers FLWs are facing?

  • As this paper focuses on the experiences of both refugee claimants and FLWs, it is necessary to provide definitions of these important terms. 1.4.1 Refugee Claimants

  • This paper considers the experiences of refugee claimants who have not yet had their hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), those who were granted refugee status, as well as those whose claims were denied and who are appealing the decision

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Summary

Research

Purpose I have chosen to interview FLWs instead of refugee claimants themselves, as this is an under-represented viewpoint in research. With regards to the topic of this paper, refugee claimants must find accommodations on their own - as opposed to sponsored refugees This is crucial as it puts refugee claimants in an even more precarious and powerless state and requires them to enter into micro social relations, which expose them to varying forms and degrees of systemic and intentional discrimination through rental policies and by interactions with prospective landlords or roommates. The findings of this study will demonstrate how the role of FLWs naturally adopt the AOP approach when working with their clients to address the systemic and intentional discrimination existing within the housing market. Participant selection, data collection, and the limitations of the project

Researcher Self Disclosure
Defining Participants Roles in Refugee Shelters
Work Conditions of Participants
Participants’ Policy Recommendations
Lack of Subsidized and Affordable Housing The lack of affordable housing in
Findings
Background

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