At Rainbow Haven, moments of hope matter.

We are very glad to share that one of our asylum-seekers in Dakar has now resettled in Canada. He is a Guinean man who was beaten by strangers at a beach in Dakar before he found our haven. News like this reminds us why safe, dignified temporary housing matters so much. For someone living with danger, rejection, and uncertainty, even a short period of safety can make the difference between despair and a future.

We are deeply thankful that he has now reached safety.

This news also comes at a time of increased collaboration with other agencies that hold promise for expanding our reach. We were delighted when the Anglican Bishop of British Columbia affirmed her support for Rainbow Haven. Additionally, Emel (Rainbow Haven Founder) recently met with Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), and there is strong interest in working together on a Pride-season initiative focused on public education, fundraising, and telling a fuller story about refugee protection.

For the volunteers who are Rainbow Haven, this could be a meaningful opportunity to increase visibility, strengthen credibility, and expand support for the work of keeping vulnerable people safe. At the same time, we know that growth must be matched with care, capacity, and alignment with our mission.

That mission remains clear: to partner with local Canadian communities to provide safe, dignified temporary housing and practical support for LGBTQ+ refugees abroad in a country of transition on their way to long-term safety.

One person reaching Canada safely is not the end of the story. It is a reminder of what is possible when people are protected and supported at the most vulnerable point in their asylum-seeking journey.

We are grateful to everyone who makes this work possible: donors, volunteers, local partners, and those who continue to believe that safety and dignity should never depend on who you are.

More updates will follow.