Research Library

Key recommendations:

• Make housing more affordable by increasing the availability of direct rent subsidies
• Increase access to support for particularly marginalized groups, such as refugee claimants, those without status, etc.
• Address financial strain, e.g. exploring alternative financing options, such as loan circles, and addressing issues related to debt.
• Support creative solutions, such as micro-enterprises and collective buying, to help newcomers cope with housing expenses.
• Foster community connections by supporting ethno-cultural communities, faith communities, and other social networks that provide social support and facilitate settlement.

Key findings:

• The majority of respondents (62%) reported spending more than half of their pre-tax income on rent or mortgage payments, indicating the financial strain they face in securing affordable housing.
• Certain newcomers, such as temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and undocumented individuals, had little to no eligibility for social housing and other social programs.
• Newcomers demonstrated resilience and adaptability in their housing situations throughout challenges. Strategies such as collective buying, micro-enterprises, and support from family members were mentioned as ways to cope with housing expenses.

Future research / gaps identified:

• Respondents were volunteer clients from 4 organizations, and may not represent newcomers in Edmonton as a whole.
• Research newcomer housing experiences over time to support this snapshot report

Community organizations:

• Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO)
• Catholic Social Services (CSS)
• Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA)
• Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN)
• Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative

Integration timeline: newcomers not defined

Key populations: newcomers in Edmonton, AB

Location: Edmonton

Open access: Yes