Fred arrived in Canada with his wife and two children after fleeing escalating violence in Haiti. Originally from Port-au-Prince, he is a married professional with years of experience in finance. But insecurity forced the family to leave everything behind.

Now in Canada for five months, the family is navigating the difficult transition that many newcomers face: rebuilding stability from the ground up. While they wait for their work permits to be processed—a delay that can take several months—their savings have steadily diminished.

Without income, the pressure has been significant. The family has postponed non-essential expenses and focused strictly on survival. Their daughter remains at home, as daycare costs are currently out of reach. At the same time, Fred and his wife are preparing for the Canadian job market, where bilingualism and professional networking are often essential. As French speakers, they are working to strengthen their English skills to increase their employment opportunities.

Through ADRA’s national support programming, the family has received assistance to help cover housing costs during this critical transition period. The support is practical and targeted, easing the burden of rent while they await authorization to work.

For families in transition, stable housing is foundational. It provides breathing room, space to focus on language acquisition, job searches, credential recognition, and long-term integration.

Looking ahead, the family’s goals are clear. Fred hopes to re-enter the financial field where he built his career, and his wife plans to work as a nurse. Above all, they want to regain independence and contribute fully to their new community.

Stories like Fred’s, made possible by support from donors like you, highlight the importance of timely settlement support. When families fleeing crisis are met with practical assistance at key moments, they are better positioned not just to survive, but to rebuild.