We verify the identity of every user that joins Haven - both Canadians and refugees. We work with our partner Certn, a Canada-based leader in ID verification, to make this possible. For Canadians that are interested in Advanced Offers, which are critical help but represent more risk for both parties - like hosting a refugee in their home, or helping tutor the children of refugees - Canadians will need to complete a background check. We also manage this through Certn.

Of course. Refugees are just like you, only they had to leave home because of conflict. Although its tough to put yourself in their shoes, its easy to imagine their needs once they get to Canada - a safe home, a meaningful job, a new group of friends and contacts. Refugees lose everything when they are forced to leave home. You can help, even if its just by meeting a refugee family and welcoming them to your community.

Not at all! Haven is focused on specific tasks - when you match with a refugee, you are only supporting them for that task. Once you're done, there's no obligation to stay in-touch, although you're free to if both you and the refugee agree. We created Haven to enable anyone to get involved in supporting refugees - not just those who have the time, money and energy to become refugee sponsors. Don't think of Haven as a big commitment. Rather, its a flexible way to get involved in supporting refugees - however you want, whenever you can. Spending 30 minutes with a refugee is already enough to learn a refugee's story, better understand the challenges of refugees, and see what you can do to help.

We've defined around 30 ways that you can help refugees, which we have split up across six categories: • Housing (e.g., help finding an apartment) • Employment (e.g., help a refugee find work, edit their resume) • Community (e.g., meet refugees, provide emotional support) • Household (e.g., donate used furniture, help with household needs) • Services (e.g., find mental health support, use government services) • Family (e.g., help parents with their children, tutor / provide child care) However, we know that Canadians are far more creative than we are - as you meet refugees and learn more about their needs, feel free to help however you think would be best!

Refugees coming to Canada have varying levels of English and French. All refugees will need to learn English and / or French as a first priority, so getting your help in learning and practicing one of Canada's official languages is a big help. However, in difficult situations, you can involve the Haven network. For example, if you match with a Ukrainian refugee who does not speak English, you can post on Haven asking for help with translation. From there, either another refugee or someone from the Ukrainian-Canadian diaspora can help. When all else fails, Google Translate isn't a bad option either 😁