Refugee claimants in need of housing in the Waterloo Region. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Services are voluntary and at no cost.
Open Homes is a home-share initiative that connects newly arrived refugee claimants with individuals or families in the local community who are willing to share their homes on a temporary basis, while long-term housing is secured. Through the program, both guests and hosts are supported by community groups and connected to local resources that assist with settlement, employment, and housing.
CJI adopted the Open Homes program in 2024. Open Homes existed previously as a grassroots movement, rooted in the Mennonite community, and has a rich history of volunteers housing and welcoming refugee claimants.
Interested in sharing your house with people recently arriving in our community as refugees? Start the process by answering the questions in the “Ready to Volunteer With Open Homes” section below.
Are you a refugee in need of temporary housing? Share your information with us in the Contact Us section at the bottom of this page.
CJI’s ongoing support includes mediation, conflict coaching and other supports. We work with you to create the best chance of a successful Open Homes connection!
Open Homes is about more than just housing, it’s about fostering meaningful connection, and creating a sense of belonging for everyone involved.
This program offers a powerful opportunity to be part of a community rooted in care, solidarity, and shared humanity. By volunteering, whether as a host or part of a support circle, you become part of a collective effort to welcome refugee claimants with dignity and warmth. You’ll form relationships that cross cultures, learn from different life experiences, and be reminded of the resilience and generosity that thrive when people come together.
This is a chance not only to give, but to grow and to help shape a community where everyone has a place to land and be seen.
Open up your home to an individual or refugee claimant family in need of temporary housing while they go through the process of applying for refugee status and seeking long-term housing and settlement in Canada.
As a Host, you create a space where dignity, stability, and human connection are not just offered — they’re shared and experienced together.
Become a support circle volunteer; have a car, a bike, or know all the convenient spots in town? Support newly arrived refugee claimants and their host families through offering local city orientation, and or rides to appointments, social connection and a sense of local hospitality and community.
A host family or individual is someone with a heart for hospitality who provides space in their home—ranging from a spare bedroom to a basement apartment—for a refugee claimant (individual or family) to live safely until they are able to secure employment and housing.
The length of stay is flexible and discussed between the host and the guest. In most cases, a realistic timeline ranges from 5 months to 1 year.
The level of involvement varies depending on the needs of both the host and the guest. Expectations are discussed and agreed upon during the matching process.
Hosts are welcomed into the CJI volunteer community, where they can connect with likeminded people and participate in community lunches and Open Homes events. The Open Homes Coordinator conducts regular check-ins, and a volunteer circle is available to support with guests’ needs throughout their stay.
Both hosts and guests complete an intake call and application form. Matches are made based on needs and preferences. A series of introductory meetings allows hosts and guests to get to know each other, view the living space, and decide whether to move forward. Either party may decline the match at any time.
All guests are referred to Open Homes through Compass Refugee Centre (Kitchener) or the KW Multicultural Centre. These organizations screen claimants, guide them through the refugee claimant process, assist with Ontario Works applications, and assign a caseworker who remains involved throughout.
Claimants have access to a dedicated caseworker from Compass Refugee Centre or the KW Multicultural Centre, who assists with the claimant process and any legal documentation needs. They also have access to The Working Centre and other supportive organizations, who can provide employment services, housing supports, language classes, and more. CJI connects guests and hosts with volunteer partner circles to help build community and support daily living.
When the homestay period ends, the Open Homes Coordinator connects guests with local resources and housing services to support their transition to independent living.
