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Two single beds with minimal bedding and folded towels on top are placed in a simple, sparsely furnished room. A person with short hair is seated at the edge of the frame, facing away from the camera.
A bright, organized preschool classroom with child-sized tables and chairs, play mats, shelves with toys, a play kitchen, and a cozy reading area near large windows letting in natural light.
Wesley Asylum Seekers Assistance Program (ASAP) provides support to asylum seekers and refugee claimants in Canada. Building on Wesley’s expertise and capacity for shelter, resettlement, and employment services, the Asylum Seeker Assistance Program (ASAP) is funded by the City of Hamilton to provide transitional housing to people who may have one of the following refugee classifications:
 
  • Asylum-seeker – a person who is seeking asylum. Until a determination is made, it is impossible to say whether the asylum-seeker is a refugee or not.
  • Refugee claimant – a person who has made a claim for protection as a refugee. This term is more or less equivalent to asylum-seeker and is standard in Canada, while asylum-seeker is the term more often used internationally.
ASAP provides services to every client in the following key areas: 
 

Interim Housing: Clients are provided with safe, temporary accommodation supported by 24/7 on-site staff who ensure safety, stability, and timely response to immediate needs or emergencies. During their stay, clients receive comprehensive basic needs support, including three nutritious meals daily and essential supplies, while working closely with staff to secure permanent housing and plan for their next steps.

On-Site Case Management: On-site case managers provide individualized support through comprehensive needs assessments and ongoing case management to help clients transition successfully into permanent housing. ASAP staff assist clients in accessing income supports (such as Ontario Works), employment services, and housing resources, including support with applications and referrals. Case managers help clients navigate essential appointments and services, including health, legal, housing, food banks, and other community-based supports across the city. Youth clients aged 7–19 receive additional age-appropriate supports through structured recreational and educational activities that promote social, cultural, and life skill development.

Housing Services: Clients receive comprehensive support to locate, apply for, and secure permanent housing, with ongoing assistance to promote long-term housing stability. ASAP team provides housing orientation and education, including tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, lease agreements, budgeting, and housing expectations. Case managers conduct housing searches, accompany clients to unit viewings, and advocate on their behalf to identify housing that aligns with their needs and budgets. Staff support clients with housing-related applications and move-in logistics, including emergency housing funds (such as last month’s rent), rental and benefit applications, lease signing, utilities, furnishings when needed, and move-in transportation.

Employment Services: Wesley operates as an Employment Ontario agency under Fedcap Canada, supporting youth and adults who are unemployed, underemployed, or exploring new career pathways. ASAP clients receive one-on-one employment support, including career exploration, goal setting, and assessments of skills, interests, and work experience. Staff provide job search and job readiness support, such as résumé and cover letter development, interview preparation, and employment workshops. Clients are connected to training, education, and employment opportunities, including referrals to incentive programs, support with Better Jobs Ontario applications, services for internationally trained professionals, and access to Power of Possible workshops.

Contact:

  • Hamilton

In Partnership With:

City of Hamilton logo
Good Shepherd logo
Refuge Newcomer Health logo