Blog

Vancouver, like many cities across Canada is experiencing high rental rates and low apartment vacancies making it exceptionally challenging to find affordable housing. For those who now find themselves unemployed, the situation is even more precarious. Jennifer*, a Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) financial coaching client, found herself facing financial difficulties and the real risk of becoming homeless, she reached out to the free C19 Money Navigator service for help. 

 

  

As a registered charity offering low-interest microloans to help skilled immigrants and refugees achieve career success in Canada, Windmill Microlending is not your traditional lender. The organization’s support to newcomers goes beyond offering loans. Windmill provides additional benefits to clients. Financial literacy is one of them.

Many opportunities exist to support newcomers to Canada become a part of a welcoming community. Newcomers can access help in looking for employment, help with navigating the school system, and support for youth to develop the skills necessary for bright and successful futures. Often non-profits, and many settlement and community programs are available to aid refugees and newcomers establish themselves as Canadians. Still, newcomers to Canada often face many challenges in navigating their way through a new environment, particularly when it comes to relating to a unique and new financial landscape.