Services

Ensuring successful integration into the community.

Our transitional accommodation model was developed with help from the wonderful people at the successful Kinbrace Houses in Vancouver, BC. The Oak Bay community has kindly welcomed this project and we are deeply fortunate to have many volunteers from Oak Bay who are committed to the welcoming of refugees in their scenic neighbourhood.

English Language Assistance

Residents will be able to learn more about enrolling in English language courses at a local organization. There will also be opportunities to practice with neighbours, volunteers, and other residents of the OBWH.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are numerous ways to contribute to the wellbeing of the tenants of the Oak Bay Welcome Houses. We need volunteers from the community to share their skills. Cooking classes, gardening, conversation sessions, home repairs, art workshops, food safety, and more!

Employment Services

As part of our employment services, our employment coordinator will be happy to assist with finding a job, giving advice on creating job applications, helping to submit application online, and more. You can be assured you will be presenting yourself well when you apply with our experts.

Oak Bay Welcome Houses

Transitional Housing for Refugees on Beautiful Vancouver Island!

Managed by the Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre Society

In partnership with the District of Oak Bay

A place where refugees to Canada can start their new lives, receive comprehensive supports, and make meaningful community connections

Food & Nutrition

Community members and OBWH residents can learn and share their dishes in fun workshops.

This will be a collaboration where residents, community members, and volunteers can learn from one another and share.

“Victoria has only recently been designated as a Resettlement Area Program (RAP) location, however there has been no investment in providing housing resources.
We are absolutely delighted that Oak Bay is partnering with VIRCS to create a housing resource, and we are incredibly grateful to our amazingly generous corporate partners who are volunteering their time and resources to upgrade homes for our refugee families.”

David Lau, Executive Director, VIRCS

Downloadable Documents

Terms of Reference

Application

English

française

español

Client Referral Form

Volunteer Intake Form

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

English Language Circle
Time is TBD
Location is TBD
Time is TBD
Location is TBD
Improve your English language skills with others in a safe and relaxed setting.
Express Interest

Repairs and Maintenance
Time is TBD
Location is TBD
Time is TBD
Location is TBD
We need volunteers with home improvement skills to keep the houses in tip-top shape
Express Interest

Welcome Gardens Program
Time is TBD
Location is TBD
Time is TBD
Location is TBD
Garden with other voluteers to help keep Victoria beautiful. We have two gardens on site, with others around Victoria.
Express Interest