Photo credit: CTV News
The Welcome Hall Mission is witnessing an increase in the number of asylum seekers using its services.
CTV News reports that the CEO Sam Watts is worried the situation could get worse as Canada faces a potential new wave of refugee claimants from the United States.
Every night, between 25 and 30 asylum seekers stay at the Pavillon Macaulay building, according to the CEO.
Most of them stay in shared rooms.
The shelter says it has always accepted asylum seekers, with Watts adding the organization often helps them find housing, as their needs can differ.
According to Watts, eight people arrived in the shelter in March. Simultaneously, another eight were moved to permanent housing.
He said, “The asylum seeker phenomenon is touching two parts of the mission. It’s not just this facility, but it’s also our free grocery stores. A lot of people who are housed – and housed precariously- have a struggle to make ends meet.”
Watts says he is concerned that the sudden increase in people needing help could strain their resources.
