Human Angle

Unseen Struggles: Nigerians Share Their Story of Homelessness in Canada

Published

2 months ago

Jan 21, 2025.

Nigerian Immigrant Share their homelessness experience in Canada
How they are struggling to survive in Canada
Lament high cost of accomodation in the country

Two Nigerians, Simi and Peter, have shared the difficult challenges they are facing as immigrants in Canada. Both moved to the country with dreams of a better life but now find themselves struggling to survive. In a video circulating on social media, they explained how their plans for a brighter future were derailed by unexpected events, leaving them on the brink of homelessness.

Simi’s Story

Simi, who came to Canada alone to study, spoke about the excitement she felt when she first arrived. She recalled her early days in the country when she was living in a boarding school in Hamilton. At that time, things were going well for her, and she felt optimistic about her future.

“When I came to Canada, I was going to school in Hamilton, so it was pretty good. I was in boarding school, so it was pretty good,” she said.

However, things began to change when a failed business investment and the rising cost of housing in Toronto created financial difficulties for her. Simi had been running a fashion business and managing college programs, but her plans fell apart.

“It’s a long story, but it’s mostly because I invested in a business idea that failed. I was running colleges down the street, and I had a fashion business,” she explained.

The high cost of housing added to her troubles. According to Simi, finding affordable housing in Canada is a significant challenge. She emphasized that the problem goes beyond health care or mental health services; housing is the biggest issue.

“There is an issue with housing. It’s not so much detox, it’s not so much hospitals, it’s not so much the mental health, like the therapy. It’s more so housing that there’s issues with,” she said.

Simi also opened up about her struggle with anxiety, which makes it hard for her to work in a regular 9-to-5 job.

“I struggle with anxiety. And so working on a 9-to-5 is quite difficult. I’m trying to figure out what to do and how to balance myself,” she said.

When asked if she was currently homeless, Simi replied, “I’m working on it.”

Peter’s Story

Peter, a 25-year-old Nigerian, moved to Canada in December 2023 as a student. His father was his financial sponsor, supporting him throughout his education. However, Peter’s life took a devastating turn when his father suffered a stroke and could no longer provide financial assistance.

“I came in as a student. I was doing good, but all of a sudden my dad, who was my sponsor, fell sick. He got a stroke. So they were unable to support me again,” Peter explained.

Without any financial support, Peter is now homeless. His immediate need is finding a place to stay. When asked what kind of help he needed the most, Peter answered simply, “Shelter. They help me the most.”

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The stories of Simi and Peter highlight the difficulties that some immigrants face in Canada. Despite their initial hopes for a better life, unforeseen challenges such as financial setbacks, housing costs, and personal struggles can leave them vulnerable. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of support systems for immigrants as they work to rebuild their lives in a new country.

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