Welcome Hall Mission seeing increase in asylum seekers

The Welcome Hall Mission says it is seeing an increase in the number of asylum seekers using its services.

CEO Sam Watts says he worries the situation could get worse as Canada faces a potential new wave of refugee claimants from the United States.

Each night, between 25 to 30 asylum seekers stay at the Pavillon Macaulay building, according to Watts.

Most stay in shared rooms.

“Is it ideal? Of course not. Is it perfect? No, of course not. But it is four walls and a roof,” said Watts.

The shelter says it has always accepted asylum seekers, with Watts adding the organization often helps them find housing, as their needs can differ.

In March, Watts says eight new people arrived at the shelter.

At the same time, another eight were moved to permanent housing.

Watts says he is concerned that the sudden increase in people needing help could strain their resources.

“What has happened over the last number of years, five to 10 years, has been that there’s been this explosion in people who are coming across from South and Central America, from North Africa, from Haiti...so we need to welcome them too,” said Watts.

He says concern is growing as the U.S. says it plans to revoke temporary status for around half a million people.

“The asylum seeker phenomenon is touching two parts of the mission,” said Watts. “It’s not just this facility, but it’s also our free grocery stores. A lot of people who are housed – and housed precariously – have a real struggle making ends meet.”

According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), 557 asylum seekers arrived at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing between April 1 and 6.

That’s nearly the same total number as in January, when 560 people crossed.