Since our inception, Hope for a New Life Association (HFNLA) has been on a remarkable journey, growing from a small group of volunteers to an organization that has successfully resettled dozens of families in the Ottawa area by offering them guidance and settlement support. As part of our ongoing commitment to provide support for refugees, we have submitted our application to become a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) on September 1st, 2023.
What is a SAH?
A Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) is an incorporated organization that has entered into a formal agreement with Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to support the resettlement of refugees from abroad. This agreement allows a SAH to manage sponsorship applications and resettlement efforts, typically through a network of constituent groups, community partners, and volunteers. As a SAH, an organization is able to sponsor a certain number of refugees each year, with or without a formal refugee status determination (RSD), and to make direct decisions about who they will sponsor, as well as arrange support for these individuals upon their arrival in Canada. This includes financial support as per the RAP rates at the time of arrival, in addition to settlement support such as housing, language and employment training, and social integration services.
Learn more about sponsorship agreement holders.
Why Become a SAH?
Our decision to becoming a SAH comes from our understanding of the refugee crisis and the growing needs within our community. We have seen firsthand the limitations faced by refugees and community members who are willing to help but limited by the fact that the person they wish to sponsor does not have formal refugee recognition from either the UNHCR or their country of refuge. As a SAH, hope fill this important gap, as the vast majority of cases that we observe do not have formal refugee status. Becoming a SAH would provide us with a route to expanding our capacity to assist more individuals and families seeking refuge.
Our strength comes from our strong community. With over 100 volunteers, each bringing unique skills and commitment, we’ve obtained a strong support network essential for the well-being and integration of the refugees.
Looking Ahead
As we wait for the decision on our SAH application, we’re preparing to take our organization to the next level. Our mission is not just to help refugees find a new life in Canada but to ensure they thrive and contribute.