Refugee 613

Refugee 613 is a non-partisan, community-based organisation based in Ottawa that works to inform, connect and inspire individuals, sponsorship groups, agencies and institutions to welcome refugees and build strong, inclusive communities. It acts as a communications hub and coordination point rather than a direct settlement agency.
The organisation offers:

• Up-to-date news, events and capacity-building opportunities focused on refugee sponsorship and settlement support in the Ottawa region.
• Tools and multilingual resources to help newcomers and sponsoring groups understand their rights and responsibilities, housing issues, tenants’ rights, settlement pathways and newcomer integration.
• Networking and referral services: the site lists and connects community partners, settlement agencies, sponsorship groups and volunteers to maximise collaboration and reduce duplication.
  Strengths & Practical Use
  For newcomers arriving in Ottawa, or for community volunteers and groups looking to sponsor refugees, Refugee 613 provides a valuable local-scale entry point. Its emphasis on community mobilization, public awareness and partnership means that it fills a niche between settlement frontline services and grassroots advocacy/information work.
  Limitations & Considerations
• While Refugee 613 supports settlement and sponsorship processes, it does not itself serve as a legal aid provider or direct case-management settlement agency; users often still need to engage a certified settlement service provider or legal specialist for case-specific support.
• Its mandate is centred on Ottawa and the National Capital Region; while some resources may apply elsewhere in Ontario, local conditions and service providers differ, so users outside the Ottawa region should seek regional equivalents.