**Ottawa Residents Work to House Asylum Seekers Before Deadline** As the deadline approaches for federal funding of hotel stays for asylum seekers, Ottawa residents and community organizations are mobilizing to assist those in need. The federal government will cease funding hotel accommodations on September 30, leaving many asylum seekers anxious about their future housing. Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi, an asylum seeker from Ghana and leader of a ministry for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees at Kitchissippi United Church, expressed the fear many are experiencing. "When deadlines are approaching and you do not have anywhere to go, it's really ... scary," he said. "They are feeling very, very afraid." As of mid-September, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that 136 asylum claimants were residing in a single Ottawa hotel. Fobi and volunteers have been assisting a group of 20 asylum seekers who are part of the church community and are facing eviction from IRCC-funded accommodations. "They fear [being] taken to other parts of Canada," Fobi noted. "They say it's giving them sleepless nights, and I spoke to the children and they asked me, are they going to be on the street?" Despite IRCC's commitment to help those still in hotels find long-term housing, advocates argue that local resources are insufficient. City shelters are at capacity, and officials have suggested that claimants consider relocating to other regions, including the Maritimes. In response, community members like Denise Bonomo are taking action. Bonomo, chair of the council at Kitchissippi United Church, recently helped an asylum seeker move into a new apartment. "Our hearts really ache for the people who are going through this," she said. Volunteers have been assisting asylum seekers by driving them around the city, negotiating with landlords, and acting as references to secure rental accommodations. Bonomo acknowledged the challenges they face. While they have successfully found stable housing for some families, they are still searching for a home for a single mother and her five children. "Landlords don't want to take a risk on people who have new jobs ... who don't have references from Canada, who don't have credit histories in Canada," she explained. "It really does leave our group of folks very vulnerable." Bonomo emphasized the church's mission, stating, "That's what we're supposed to do. We're to welcome, be hospitable, be courageous in taking on social injustices." In Kanata, the non-profit Matthew House is also assisting asylum seekers by providing furniture for their new homes. Executive Director Kailee Brennan noted, "As they've secured housing ... this gives them the opportunity to actually make that house a home." The organization has helped over 1,800 families in the past year and aims to expand its services. Brennan criticized the government for leaving families in limbo. "Families should not be left in limbo while government sorts out responsibilities," she said. "That uncertainty is deeply unfair." She called for better coordination between the federal government and community organizations to create sustainable housing solutions. In a statement, IRCC reaffirmed its September 30 deadline and said it is working with partners to assist claimants in securing housing. However, many families remain without a safe place to go as the deadline looms. Fobi made a plea for broader support, stating, "Kitchissippi [United Church] alone is not enough. We are making a compassionate appeal to the IRCC and all forms of government, non-governmental organizations, foundations and the good people of Ottawa ... come to our help."