Welcome to the BC Safe Haven Program
WHAT IS BC SAFE HAVEN?
BC SAFE HAVEN is a BC government–sponsored program that provides comprehensive, all-in-one support for refugee claimants and asylum seekers. Its goal is to support you through your transition as you seek to settle in British Columbia.
UMOJA’S ROLE
UMOJA has long supported these groups and will continue to do so. Through BC SAFE HAVEN, we hope to make service delivery even more effective for the people we serve.
Subcontracted to BC SAFE HAVEN via DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, UMOJA is primarily responsible for supporting Tigrinya (Eritrean) and French-speaking newcomers. However, we are able to assist other groups as well. So do feel free to reach out to us!
Available supports include:
• Settlement and immigration services
• Access to labour market information and employment supports
• Assistance with housing and accommodation
• English language upgrading
• Clinical counselling, where appropriate
We are committed to supporting you for as long as you need the help!
Not too sure about your status category? Here are some helpful descriptions:
1. Refugee Claimant: Individuals who have submitted their refugee protection claim and received one of the following: Confirmation of Referral letter (CoRL), Acknowledgement of Claim (AOC), Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD), or Client Application Summary (via IRCC’s online portal).
2. Asylum Seekers: Individuals who have not yet submitted a refugee claim but have indicated their intention to do so.
3. CUAET Visa Holders: Holders of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa.
4. Refugees – Protected Persons and Resettled Refugees, including Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) and Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs).
For immediate assistance, please contact:
Tel: 604-581-5574
Email: [email protected]
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The BC Services and Assistance for Humanitarian and Vulnerable Newcomers (BC SAFE HAVEN) program addresses the transitional settlement needs of asylum seekers, refugee claimants, temporary residents, and other groups not typically eligible for federal (IRCC) settlement services. It operates through a collaborative framework to ensure maximum effectiveness and reach.
In Surrey alone, approximately 1,500 newcomers arrive each month, with an estimated 25% from refugee backgrounds. BC SAFE HAVEN extends its support beyond Government-Assisted (GAR) and Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR) to meet the growing needs of individuals seeking protection in Canada—many of whom arrived following the pandemic due to increased global safety concerns.
Through partnership and collaboration, participating organizations offer wraparound supports that address immediate and longer-term settlement needs, including:
• Immigration and legal navigation
• Work authorization
• Mental health and counselling
• Access to essential services such as food and housing
The program also offers limited supports to other vulnerable newcomers—such as CUAET visa holders and refugees—through specialized services like clinical counselling.
Ultimately, BC SAFE HAVEN helps newcomers achieve successful settlement outcomes, strengthening both individual wellbeing and the social and economic fabric of BC communities.
Program Strengths:
1. Subsidizes settlement worker labour costs to enhance service capacity.
2. Promotes solidarity among partners through shared knowledge, coordinated cross-referrals, and resource pooling to ensure no newcomer is left unsupported.
Follow these links to learn more:
Safe Haven program – DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society