Jindi Singh from Khalsa Aid reports a surge in calls from distressed international students in Brampton, exceeding their capacity to assist
A year ago, Khalsa Aid Canada received a modest number of calls from international students in Brampton, seeking necessities. Fast forward, and the situation has escalated dramatically. Now inundated with desperate pleas, the charity is struggling to cope, receiving five calls daily, surpassing its capacity to assist. This surge in demand highlights the worsening housing and affordability crises gripping the region.
Khalsa Aid Canada, aiding over 8,200 students nationwide, emphasizes the inadequacy of governmental and institutional support for these vulnerable students. Jindi Singh, the national director, underscores the disproportionate burden charities bear, urging stakeholders to address the systemic issues at play.
Complex challenges compound the students' plight, from fraudulent immigration practices to mental health concerns, exacerbated by restrictive federal policies limiting employment opportunities. The dire situation resonates strongly in Brampton, a hub for international students, where Khalsa Aid has stepped up with thousands of grocery deliveries since June.
The crisis, attributed to chronic underfunding and governmental oversight, reflects a systemic failure to provide essential services despite international students' significant contributions to educational institutions' coffers. Despite promises of action, concrete solutions remain elusive, leaving organizations like Khalsa Aid and Sukhmani Haven to grapple with an unprecedented level of need.
While governmental initiatives aim to address housing shortages, they offer little solace to those already struggling. Deepa Mattoo of Sukhmani Haven emphasizes the dire reality on the ground, where finding affordable accommodation is akin to a herculean task.
In response to the escalating crisis, community efforts have emerged as lifelines for students like Simranpreet Kaur, providing not just shelter but also a sense of belonging and support. However, concerns loom over the sustainability of such initiatives in the face of overwhelming demand.
As the struggle persists, calls for comprehensive governmental action grow louder, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the root causes of this humanitarian crisis.
