The African Canadian Collective (ACC) is committed to establishing a robust Black & African refugee sector within Canada. Through a Systems Transformation approach, we aim to address both current and future challenges faced by African refugee claimants, promoting their well-being, integration, and success in Canadian society.
The African Canadian Collective (ACC) received funding from the McConnell Foundation — through RCHC, to lead a Systems Transformation Initiative aimed at establishing a dedicated refugee sector across Canada.
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This initiative encompasses collective advocacy, service coordination, such as Transitional Housing, Refugee Housing, Shelter and a broad range of activities designed to address the unique needs of African refugee in Canada, while advancing equitable and sustainable solutions at every level.
Since the summer of 2023, members of the African Canadian Collective (ACC) have been actively working with municipalities, other levels of government, Black-led agencies, and allies to advocate for the establishment of Black-Run (B4) Shelter Programs. These programs are designed to ensure culturally appropriate, community-led care for African refugees.
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This work includes advancing an oversight mandate for shelters serving African refugees across municipalities—ensuring trauma-informed, culturally responsive support and addressing the critical service gaps that were exposed during the 2023 refugee crisis.
ACC is implementing a Transitional Housing Model Initially developed by The Refugee Centre (TRC) in Montreal. This initiative funded by the Northpine Foundation through the Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre and supported by ACC is intended to rollout a similar TRC model in Toronto.
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This model provides culturally centered transitional housing with wraparound supports such as; employment, stable housing and navigation to address critical service gaps
between temporary shelters and permanent housing, facilitating smoother transitions for refugees.
Alongside our work to advance support for African refugees in Canada, we are also focused on strengthening the Governance and Capacity of the African Canadian Collective (ACC). This includes strategic planning for the collective as a whole, as well as initiatives to build the capacity of individual member organizations.
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The Governance and Capacity Building Committee is leading this effort to ensure a stronger, more cohesive, and sustainable network, ensuring they are equipped to lead and sustain impactful initiatives within the refugee sector across Canada.
December, 25 2024
The African Canadian Collective (ACC) and its advocacy partners are calling on the federal and provincial governments to address the urgent needs that persist for African refugee claimants arriving in Canada.
Read MoreDecember, 20 2024
A coalition of mainly Black-led groups demanded on Friday that the city adopt recommendations from a report critical of its refusal to let refugee claimants access beds in its homeless shelter system in 2022 and 2023.
Read MoreJuly 14 & July, 28 2023
In July 2023, more than 20 African community and housing advocates, including the Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre, joined together to bring attention to the increasing refugee crisis in Toronto’s downtown core. A lack of shelter spaces and adequate housing left refugee claimants — primarily of African origin — unhoused and without community services or support shortly after arriving at Pearson International Airport. Many camped outside of 129 Peter Street, the site of the Toronto Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre.
February 23, 2024
TORONTO – Refugee serving organizations, organizations working with people experiencing homelessness, and other civil society groups will hold a press conference on the urgent need for governments to address the crises impacting refugees in Toronto. Leaders from frontline organizations will outline the state of the refugee shelter crisis and the solutions required from all levels of government to urgently provide emergency and long-term shelter and humanitarian support for refugee claimants and migrant workers in Toronto.
Read MoreThe African Canadian Collective (ACC) exists to advance the rights, dignity, and well-being of African refugees in Canada. Through collective action, advocacy, and collaboration, we work to drive systemic change, build sustainable support structures, and create inclusive pathways for meaningful integration. Guided by the values of dignity, respect, and equity, we are committed to ensuring that African refugees receive the comprehensive, culturally informed support they need to thrive in their new communities.
The African Canadian Collective (ACC) envisions a robust and equitable Black and African refugee sector in Canada—one that is rooted in systems transformation and responsive to both current and emerging challenges. We strive for a future where African refugees are fully supported, empowered, and successfully integrated into Canadian society, with access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
African refugees face unique challenges, from systemic discrimination to economic barriers. At ACC, we work to bridge the gap, ensuring that every refugee has access to resources, opportunities, and a strong support network.
learn moreinfo@africancanadiancollective.ca
339 Queen Street East, ON Toronto M5A 1S9
