We help refugees become independent in Canada faster.
Newcomers fleeing conflict use Haven to improve their language and connect with Canadians.
For Newcomers
Speak with Canadian volunteers. Study with professional teachers.
Haven matches you with Canadian volunteers to help you practice English or French, meet people in your community, and find work in Canada.
Join for conversations only, or add classes with professional teachers if language is your main focus.
Help a refugee in just 30 minutes.
Haven connects you directly with a refugee. Helping is easy — it's a conversation to practice their English or French, local tips about life in your city, or advice for navigating the Canadian job market.
You pick your schedule. You pick how you help. No training required — just show up.
How it works
Create your profile
Tell us who you are and how you want to give or receive help. Takes less than 10 minutes.
Find your match
Browse verified profiles and reach out. Your first conversation is just 30 minutes on a video call.
Continue to meet
Some matches meet once. Others meet for years. Match and meet for as long as you want.
Where newcomers and Canadians meet.
20,000+ users in Canada
Newcomers from 50+ countries, now in 500+ communities across Canada.
Connect With Confidence
We use ID verification so you always know who you're connecting with.
“I now talk with four Canadians on Haven. I'm so grateful to them for the opportunity to talk and for their patience with my English!”
Iryna
From Ukraine
“I had no expectations at all. I've never dealt with refugees before, so I was totally open. I've been surprised by how easy it is to chat with them — it's truly appreciated.”
Barb
From Toronto
Canada wins when newcomers become independent faster.
Our team believes that Canada should have a system that helps newcomers learn English and French and integrate into their communities, faster than ever before.
Technology makes that possible at scale, and at a fraction of the current cost. That's good for refugees, good for Canadians, and good for Canada.
