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A groundbreaking report by United Way Greater Toronto has revealed deep-rooted systemic failures experienced by African asylum seekers across Toronto, Peel, and York Region. The report documents anti-Black racism, widespread housing discrimination, blocked employment pathways, and a lack of culturally appropriate support for refugees arriving in Canada to seek safety and dignity.
A Crisis of Shelter and Dignity
In 2023, hundreds of asylum seekers—predominantly from African nations—arrived in the GTA only to find themselves sleeping outdoors in downtown Toronto. With city shelters overwhelmed and emergency supports inaccessible, many were forced to rely on community-led initiatives. Faith-based institutions like Pilgrim Feast Tabernacles Church, Revivaltime Tabernacle, and others converted their sanctuaries into makeshift shelters.
> “We became a house. We became mother, father, doctor—until we could get the government to step in,” said Nadine Miller, Executive Director of Pilgrim Feast Tabernacles Church, which sheltered over 200 people during the peak of the crisis.
Key Findings: Barriers on Every Front
The report, created in partnership with the City of Toronto, Region of Peel, and York Region, includes interviews with 29 asylum seekers and nine frontline organizations. Among the top barriers:
Housing Discrimination: Refugees were denied rental opportunities due to race or status, with some living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions.
Employment Bias: Foreign credentials were often dismissed, and many were explicitly told they could not be hired due to being Black or African.
Anti-Black Racism: Present across housing, shelter access, healthcare, and service delivery.
Legal and Language Isolation: Many faced language barriers and limited access to responsive legal support—particularly Francophone Africans.
Relocation Failures: Asylum seekers moved to areas like Cornwall or Niagara seeking housing, only to return due to inadequate services.
Rev. P.S. Eddie Jjumba: A Voice from the Frontlines
Rev. P.S. Eddie Jjumba, Senior Pastor of Milliken Church and a longtime advocate for asylum seekers since his time at Dominion Church International, has been on the frontlines of this crisis.
> “Once a refugee arrives, and their emergency needs are met, more must be done to prevent mental health decline. We must treat people as more than a bed,” he told The Hoima Post.
He also responded to the tragic death of Kenyan asylum seeker Edwin Kiplagat at the Willowdale Welcome Centre, calling for urgent expansion of culturally responsive mental health services.
Government Responds
In response to mounting criticism and the United Way’s findings, the City of Toronto has reaffirmed its commitment to refugee dignity and outlined several initiatives:
Providing shelter and wraparound services to over 3,700 asylum seekers as of July 2025.
Developing Toronto’s first Black-led, Black-mandated shelter to ensure culturally appropriate housing.
Supporting L’Agapanthe, a new Francophone transitional housing site tailored to French-speaking Africans.
Expanding partnerships with frontline organizations for mental health, legal aid, and employment access.
City officials acknowledged that while efforts are underway, systemic racism and access disparities remain entrenched.
Community Impact and Initiatives
Organizations like Passerelle-I.D.É., CAFCAN Social Services, and African Community Services of Peel have led vital interventions.
Tatiana, a refugee from Congo, shared how Passerelle helped her overcome language barriers:
> “I felt overwhelmed, stressed, traumatized… But now I can express myself and understand the services available to me.”
Leonie Tchatat, Passerelle’s founder, emphasized that “most of our work is helping African newcomers settle with dignity through culturally adapted programs.”
United Way has since committed over $400,000 to programs that support housing, mental health, and legal aid for asylum seekers. A separate $415,000 African Resettlement Emergency Fund was also disbursed to 42 agencies for rapid community response.
Policy Recommendations
The report calls for urgent, concrete action, including:
1. Program Strengthening: Peer mentorship, trauma-informed care, centralized resource hubs.
2. Sustained Funding: Invest in Black-led and culturally appropriate service providers.
3. Structural Reform: Fast-track asylum processing, recognize foreign credentials, expand anti-racism training, and establish independent complaint systems.
Conclusion: Beyond Temporary Solutions
The story of African asylum seekers in the GTA is not just about crisis—it’s about resilience. While community organizations stepped in when institutions failed, the responsibility to ensure long-term dignity, safety, and opportunity rests with governments and systems.
As Rev. Jjumba said best:
> “We are not here to rescue—we are here to demand that people be treated with equity. That’s the call now.”
For more updates on African communities in Canada and asylum support news, visit www.hoimapost.org
