A Winnipeg based refugee organization is concerned about the burden of rent costs on newcomers.
Manitoba is expected to welcome 2000 Syrian refugees to the province by the end of 2016.
Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council executive director Rita Chahal runs Welcome Place.
She said the province is still expecting more than 900 Syrian refugees, as well as more refugees from other countries by the end of year.
Chahal said a rent supplement program for refugees to help cover the costs of permanent housing run by the previous NDP government is being reviewed by the new PC government. She is worried the program will be discontinued.
Chahal said the rent supplement offered by the previous government ran from December 2015 to May 2016. On average she said a family of five would receive $588 dollars a month to cover the cost of rent.
Chahal is also concerned about the amount of available temporary housing. She said two buildings that were previously used are no longer available.
Chahal said she understands new governments need to do their due diligence, but also wants to ensure refugees who come to Manitoba will resettle successfully.
Winnipeg Harvest is also concerned about the influx of refugees and meeting demand.
It serves 400 food banks, mostly in Winnipeg.
Chris Albi with Winnipeg Harvest said the influx of refugees is putting a strain on the amount of donations needed.
Discussions to reinstate the rent supplement are still ongoing, a provincial government spokesperson said Tuesday.
The spokesperson said the provincial government recognizes the challenges for large families to find adequate housing.
