From Emergency Shelters to Employment and Stability

Over 6,000 refugees use Toronto shelters nightly, many stuck for months beyond their emergency purpose. They are often ready and willing to work but blocked by isolation, paperwork delays, language gaps, and scattered job services. Impakt Foundation's Integrated Newcomer Support (INS) meets them where they are, embedding peer navigators with lived refugee experience directly in shelters for daily, customized help to land meaningful jobs fast.

Through this initiative, participants will get mapped employment plans, resume creation help, interview practice, credential support, across construction, childcare, security, trades, and pro roles like HR or nursing pathways. Earlier pilots show impressive 90%+ employment rates, with more than half in career-aligned spots, and quick shelter exits once paychecks start.

Northpine Foundation investment in this on-site initiative that also partners with shelter operators and local employers, will free up strained shelter resources, and offer real paths to homes and independence for refugees.