Syrian refugees relocated to London appear to be having little trouble finding permanent housing.
London has taken in 915 government-assisted Syrian refugees since December. Of those, 614 or 67% have found permanent accommodations.
The head of the agency handling refugee resettlement in London says refugees aren't waiting long in temporary housing before making the move to apartments.
"It's about four weeks," says Valerian Marochko, executive director of the Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC). "It depends on each individual family. Family size plays a large role, especially if it is a large family. It is more difficult for singles to find roommates too."
Refugees arriving in the city are temporarily housed at the CCLC's Jeremiah House or one of three hotels.
Marochko attributes the high placement rate to the dedication of the CCLC"s staff and volunteers.
"They are talking to landlords, making lease applications, and helping with budgets and special circumstances of the families," says Marochko. "We've been working 24/7 for the last couple of months. It's how we have managed to move out over 600 people."
Another 400 to 500 refugees are expected to arrive in London before the end of the year. Marochko is confident they won't have any trouble finding permanent homes for them.
"The market is still good, there are still units available and we are going to be receiving less refugees on a monthly basis," says Marochko. "Landlords should be aware that the refugees have income support from the federal government."
Federally, Immigration Minister John McCallum announced Wednesday that 69% of the refugees outside Quebec have found permanent accommodations.
