What support we offer
Grassroots Response provides practical, community-based support. Some supports are available through direct program
Grassroots Response provides practical, community-based support to newcomers facing housing instability, employment barriers, and challenges navigating life in Canada.
Our work is volunteer-led and built around real relationships, local knowledge, and partnerships. Support varies by situation, location, and capacity.
sign-up. Others require coordination with our team. You do not need to be in crisis to ask for help.
What we can help with
Support may include, but is not limited to:
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Some people contact us for the first time and begin with an intake process
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Others are already connected with our team and register directly for specific programs
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Some supports are short-term or one-time, while others continue over a longer period
You are not expected to know what to ask for. If you are unsure how to access support, we will help guide you.
What we can help with
Support may include, but is not limited to:
Housing & daily life
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Transitional housing or host options
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Emergency, short-term, or medium-term stays
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Setting up a new living space
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Learning how to use household equipment
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Help navigating daily tasks and systems in Canada
Practical support
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Transportation to appointments or work
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Help with forms, applications, or letters
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Translation or interpretation support (peer-based)
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Resume review or job search navigation
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Household items (furniture, bedding, kitchen items, school supplies)
Specialized & Pilot Programs
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Support for refugee claimants
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Support for women and families in crisis
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Support for Government Assisted Refugees
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Other pilot initiatives developed in partnership with community organizations
Connection & wellbeing
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Buddy support (regular check-ins, conversation, community connection)
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Peer mental health phone calls or check-ins
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Group activities, healing arts, or cultural gatherings
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Social connection and community integration
Employment Support
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Resume review and job-search guidance
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Understanding Canadian workplace expectations
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Volunteer and community connections to employers
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Support navigating transportation, documentation, or onboarding challenges
Employment support is volunteer-led and based on community connections. Job placement is not guaranteed.
Who we support
Support is available to newcomers in Ontario, including:
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Displaced Ukrainians
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Refugee claimants
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Government-assisted refugees
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Other newcomers supported through partner organizations
Not all programs are available to all groups at all times.
Programs you can sign-up for
Do I need to complete an intake form?
No — not always.
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First time reaching out?
An intake form helps us understand your situation and coordinate support.
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How do you register for a program?
We send program information through our newsletters, social media and invite people directly. If you hear about a program and you are not sure how to register, a volunteer or staff member you are already connected to or email wrgr.intake@gmail.com
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Returning for new support?
You do not need to complete the intake application again unless requested by staff. Contact a volunteer that you are connected or or email wrgr.intake@gmail.com to schedule a conversation so we can learn how we can help you more.
Not sure where to start?
If this is your first time reaching out, please visit the Get Help page.
Where we offer support
Support is offered in specific regions and depends on partnerships and availability. We currently operate in multiple communities across Ontario and work with trusted local organizations.
Locations:
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Waterloo Region
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Waterloo
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Kitchener
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Cambridge
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Wilmot, Wellesley, Woolwich, North Dumfries
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Guelph
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Wellington County
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Perth County
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Listowel
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Thunder Bay
Availability and limits
Grassroots is a volunteer-led organization.
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Support depends on volunteer availability and local capacity
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Not all requests can be met
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Some programs have eligibility criteria or wait times
We aim to be transparent and will let you know what support may or may not be available.