For many refugees, the journey to safety is filled with uncertainty, hardship, and resilience. Ejmir M, a 39-year-old from Afghanistan, knows this reality all too well. Forced to flee his homeland after it fell into the hands of brutal terrorists, he embarked on a treacherous path through multiple countries in search of security and a better future. His journey led him to Canada, where he found not only refuge but also a renewed sense of hope through the support of organizations like Homes First.
Hello,
My name is Ejmir, and I am a 39-year-old from Afghanistan, a beautiful country with a rich culture. However, from the moment I opened my eyes to this world, my country was engulfed in war and bloodshed. I grew up facing immense hardships, lacking security, basic resources, and even enough food for myself and my family. Yet, I persevered, studied, worked, and eventually got married. I am truly grateful to God for every day of my life that I have spent with my family up until now.
One day, I woke up to find that the entire country had fallen into the hands of brutal terrorists. That day marked the beginning of hell and terror. Fearing for my life, I escaped by any means possible and sought refuge in Iran. Unfortunately, Iran was not a safe place either, as it did not accept refugees. Any Afghan migrant they encountered was arrested and sent back to Afghanistan. After enduring many hardships and living in hiding, I traveled to Mexico, and after three days of immense struggle, I made it to the United States. However, I soon learned that the U.S. would deport anyone who entered illegally back to Mexico, and I was unable to apply for asylum there. From the U.S., I eventually managed to enter Canada.
When I arrived in Canada, I didn’t even know where I was. All I had heard about Canada while living in Afghanistan was that it was a beautiful country with a cultured, kind, and hospitable people. I couldn’t believe I had finally arrived. As soon as I saw the Canadian flag, I felt a wave of relief and disbelief. I didn’t understand how my fears had suddenly vanished; it was as though I had been born again. But I was lost, exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. I hadn’t eaten for two days and had only one bottle of water, which had run out ten hours earlier.
With the help of a kind citizen, I was able to reach the police, who treated me with great care. They brought me pizza and water and took me to the shelter at 129 Peter Street. There, I was told I would need to stay for a while before being transferred to another location. That night, I didn’t have a bed to sleep on and had to rest on a plastic chair. The following night, I found a cardboard box on the street to sleep on, covering myself with a plastic bag to stay warm. There were many drug users around, and it was a difficult experience for me, as it was the first time I had lived in such an environment. It was extremely challenging, but after two weeks, I was moved to a shelter at 5800 Yonge Street.
When I arrived, I noticed the place was different—clean and free from drug use. That very first night, they provided me with a bed, pillow, and blanket, which felt like a great relief after two weeks of hardship and stress. The next morning, the staff from Homes First came to explain the rules, regulations, and available services to me. They were kind, friendly, and polite. I was able to ask them any questions I had, and they helped and guided me with great care. Every day, the programming supervisor visited me, introducing me to various educational programs and job search assistance.
At Homes First, we have access to wonderful resources like ICM and TNG, which work closely with refugees to help us adapt and integrate into Canadian society smoothly. I truly feel grateful and at peace here. I hope that soon, with the support of the Canadian government and Homes First, I will be able to start learning English, find a job, and live independently in my own home. I deeply appreciate the Canadian government for continuing to care for refugees even amid the global economic crisis, providing essential services so that refugees like me do not feel abandoned.
I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Homes First, who work tirelessly to ensure that we have a safe, clean, and peaceful place to stay. They work hard in every aspect, including education, entertainment, and employment, to help us integrate into society and regain normal lives. No matter how much I thank them, it will never be enough. My only wish is to find a job soon, become a successful person, and serve the people of Canada to repay their kindness.
Once again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the care and support you provide to refugees like me.
With respect,
Ejmir M
Ejmir’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of compassionate support systems. To read more stories from our clients, visit [Real life Stories], and to see how you can support and get involved, visit https://homesfirst.on.ca/get-involved/
