We Serve
Refugee Ministry
Explore our serving opportunities below and discover how you can be a part of a welcoming community to refugee claimants in Toronto!
Refugee Ministry Team Member
Establish relationships with residents at The Peoples House, Adam House or Matthew House by sharing a meal and doing life together!
Responsibilities
- Befriend residents at the refugee homes
- Lead games and have fun together
- Answer questions residents might have about life in Canada
- Listen to stories of residents
- Prepare and/or share a meal together
- Pray for residents
Skills
- Growing faith in Christ
- Desire to extend welcome to refugee claimants as part of a welcoming community
- Practical knowledge of the systems in our city
- Ability to be fully present and listen deeply
- Team player
Commitment
- 3- 4 hours on a monthly basis
Opportunities
- Make new friends
- Stretch and learn about your blind spots
- Learn about realities of life in different countries, and the injustice faced by many around the world
- Learn about the beauty and diversity of other cultures and nations
- Trainin: Refugee Realities, Art of Listening, Cultural Sensitivity, Trauma Informed Care, Plan to Protect
Requirements
- Interviews, reference checks, vulnerable sector screening and forms
- Must attend The Peoples Church for 6 months before serving
Gardening Team Member
Build relationships with residents at The Peoples House (TPH) by joining the gardening team!
Responsibilities
- Ensure the garden is being tended to on a weekly basis, together with the gardening team
- Participate in the season of planting and harvesting at TPH
- Befriend residents and be open to how the relationships evolve
Skills
- Willingness to learn about gardening, no previous knowledge/skills required
- Committed, faithful, and present
- Loves to work in a team environment and getting to know people from different cultures
Commitment
- 18 weeks from May to October
- Saturday afternoon on a weekly basis, between 2-3 hours
- Total time commitment: 36–54 hours for the whole season
Opportunities
- Get in touch with your creative side and nature
- Learn about gardening
- Create lasting friendships with our residents
- Cultural interaction and learning
- Share recipes from different corners around the World
- Training: Gardening, Cultural Sensitivity, Trauma Informed Practice, Plan to Protect
Requirements
- Interviews, reference checks, vulnerable sector screening and forms
- Must attend Peoples for 6 months before serving
Moving Team Member
Support The Peoples House (TPH) residents as they move out to their first apartments in Toronto!
Responsibilities
- Arrive at TPH on time
- Help the TPH resident load their belongings and furniture
- Arrive at the resident’s new home and help them offload
- Celebrate the move and encourage resident
Skills
- Growing relationship with Christ
- Good team player
- Capable of carrying heavy weights
- Moving experience is a plus
- Access to large vehicle an asset
Commitment
- Varies between 4 hours to half a day, depending on the distance that needs to be covered
- Scheduled as needed (usually on weekends)
Opportunities
- Make new friends and connections
- Celebrate the successes of our residents
- Training: Plan to Protect
Requirements
- Interviews, reference check, vulnerable sector check and forms
Handyperson
Assist with repairs and carpentry at The Peoples House (TPH).
Responsibilities
- Minor repairs throughout the house such as replacing light fixtures, doorknobs, blinds, cupboards and drawers, etc.
- Consult on larger repairs needed
Skills
- General handyman skills such as: plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, electrician, etc.
- Ability to teach skills to residents
Commitment
- As needed
Opportunities
- Use practical skills to engage in refugee ministry
- Build relationships with residents
- Help keep the property at TPH safe and functional
Requirements
- Interviews, reference checks, vulnerable sector screening and forms
- Must attend Peoples for 6 months before serving
Host
Support refugee claimants and newcomers as they navigate life in Toronto!
Responsibilities
- Befriend residents and newcomers
- Call residents and newcomers to check in
- Support with navigating the public transport system
- Support parents in understanding the schooling system
- Invite residents and newcomers for coffee or lunch
- Attend a worship service together at The Peoples House (TPH) or another church preferred by the resident or newcomer
- Accompany residents and newcomers to places of interest and fun activities in Toronto, like parks, picnics, museums
- Help residents and newcomers understand grocery shopping in the GTA
- Share about available resources like libraries, thrift shopping, and food banks
- Pray for residents and newcomers
Skills
- Growing relationship with Christ
- Believe in the importance of being a welcoming community
- Desire to share your life and the gospel
- Practical knowledge of the city systems
- Desire to help refugees and newcomers thrive
Commitment
- Time commitments will vary, spanning from a few weeks to a lifetime friendship!
Opportunities
- Make new friends
- Stretch and learn about your blind spots
- Learn about realities of life in different countries, and the injustice faced by many around the world
- Learn about the beauty and diversity of other cultures and nations
- Training: Refugee Realities, Art of Listening, Cultural sensitivity, Trauma Informed Care, Plan to Protect
Requirements
- Interviews, reference checks, vulnerable sector screening and forms
- Must attend Peoples for 6 months before serving
Translator
Support residents at The Peoples House so that they can move forward positively and comfortably in areas where language can be a barrier.
Responsibilities
- Translating during house intake
- Support in meetings with caseworker
- Support with completing paper work
- Pray for the residents and the ministry
Skills
- Fluent in English as well as one or more of the following: Spanish, Farsi, Urdu, Hindi
- Knowledge of the refugee claim/hearing processes an asset
Commitment
- As needed
Opportunities
- Assisting someone in a new country and culture by speaking their native tongue
- Building relationships and friendships
- Training: Refugee Ministry Onboarding
Requirements
- Interview, Vulnerable Sector Screening, Reference checks and forms (confidentiality, statement of faith etc.)
