United Church of Canada
Most of OCRA’s current sponsorships have been co-sponsored with the United Church of Canada, which has a Sponsorship Agreement with the Government of Canada. As a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, the United Church periodically receives permission from the government to file a designated number of refugee sponsorship applications within a specific time window. We have also worked with other Sponsorship Agreement holders such as Jewish Family Services.
Under our arrangement with the United Church, OCRA is solely responsible for raising all the funds required to carry out all settlement activities.
All of our refugee applications are reviewed and approved by the Church before they are sent to the government by the Church. Settlement plans and budgets are also reviewed by the Church to ensure they comply with government requirements.
First United Church Ottawa and Glebe St. James United Church
OCRA works directly with First United Church Ottawa and Glebe St. James United Church.
Donations for Syrian sponsorships are made to and held by First United Church Ottawa and Glebe St. James. All payments to refugee families under the terms of approved settlement plans are paid by the Churches from funds raised by OCRA.
Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
Donations for Afghan sponsorships are made to and held by the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa and payments to refugee familiesunder te terms of approved settlement plans are paid by the Diocese.
OCRA is a “constituent group” under the Sponsorship Agreement between the Anglican Diocese and IRCC. Our Afghan sponsorship applications are filed under the auspices of the Diocese’s Sponsorship Agreement with the government.
Helping with Furniture
Helping with Furniture supplies gently-used furniture and household goods to Ottawa households and individuals in need. We are grateful to HWF for helping many refugee families with furnishings and household goods, bicycles and refurbished computers.
Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation
CCOC is a non-profit social housing provider in Ottawa. Stable housing at affordable rents is a key element in successful settlement of new arrivals. Several of our sponsored families live in CCOC properties and we are fortunate to be able to work with CCOC to locate suitable housing.