Sponsor A Refugee 

In 2011, Rainbow Refugee Society entered into partnership with the Federal government to direct a blended sponsorship program called the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP). This is a national project and Rainbow Refugee has the responsibility of working with its own Circles of Hope as well as other community organizations across Canada to sponsor LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.


The RRAP is part of the private sponsorship stream. Private sponsorship generally is a 12-month commitment once the newcomer arrives in Canada. The applications for individuals and couples are submitted through a government approved Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH).

Why is the program referred to as ‘blended sponsorships’?

The Government funds provide financial support to each sponsored refugee with a start-up package and first three months (at social assistance rates) after their arrival in Canada.


The community group provides financial support for the remaining 9 months


Rainbow Refugee works with Circles of Hope, that are made up of LGBTQ+ community members and allies.

Interested in sponsoring a refugee?

Sponsorship creates a pathway to safer, more accepting communities for LGTBQI+ refugees who are at risk in countries of asylum. The Rainbow Refugee Assistance partnership has encouraged groups in over 25 cities across Canada to become active sponsors. There are 20 “Circles of Hope” active in BC alone. In Ottawa, Capital Rainbow Refuge works with sponsoring groups. In Toronto groups like Rainbow Railroad and the Metropolitan Community Church have been enthusiastic sponsors. Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia has made Halifax a more embracing arrival city for LGTBQI+ refugees. Through the Rainbow RAP, LGTBQI+ refugees are being welcomed into smaller cities like Victoria, Kamloops, Kelowna and Salt Spring Island. 


In BC, Rainbow Refugee Society brings people interested in forming a sponsorship group, or Circle of Hope, together to mentor them through the process of sponsoring and resettling an LGTBQI+ refugee. If you are outside BC, we will connect you with a local partner organization. For more information about joining or creating a Circle of Hope (in BC) or Sponsorship Group, please send an email outlining your interest to: info@rainbowrefugee.ca

Circle's Responsibility 
Before & After Arrival

What a Circle does before arrival

  • Raises the funds
  • completes application forms
  • creates a settlement plan to support the newcomer for 12 months
  • communicates with the person they are sponsoring before they arrive
  • provides encouragement and emotional support

What a Circle does after arrival

  • meets refugees when they arrive in the sponsor group’s city
  • helps locate suitable accommodations
  • shops with the newcomer for basic furniture and other household essentials; clothing, and food.
  • Introduce the newcomer to the transit system
  • orients them to the community and the resources available to them
  • provides emotional and significant settlement assistance to the refugees for the duration of the sponsorship period
  • provides encouragement and assistance with adjustment to life in Canada
  • teaches the newcomer about rights and responsibilities of permanent residents in Canada
  • helps newcomers learn an official language and seek employment
  • assists with finding employment

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