Syrian refugee finds home, family, and citizenship in squamish
Four years ago, Joudi Safo, a Syrian Kurd, arrived in Squamish, British Columbia, seeking refuge through the Squamish United Church’s refugee sponsorship program. Now, he’s traded war-torn landscapes for maple leaves, securing Canadian citizenship and a life remarkably different from the one he left behind.
A basement turned haven
The Safo family’s journey began with a shock – a stark contrast to the familiar struggles of life in Iraq. Kevin and Vicki Haberl, members of the church’s refugee sponsorship committee, stepped forward, converting their basement into a vital sanctuary. “We just kept going,” said Kevin Haberl, “Joudi moved in, and it was awesome. We were just part of a group.”
What started as a temporary solution quickly evolved into a permanent home for the Safo family, with the Haberls’ suite ultimately accommodating both Joudi’s family and his sister’s, a testament to their generosity and community spirit. “It wasn’t about grand gestures,” explained Vicki Haberl. “It was about offering a hand, a safe space.”
From fleeing war to mastering english
Safo’s path to citizenship wasn’t simply about securing sponsorship; it was a testament to his own resilience. Having spent nearly a decade in refugee camps and working odd jobs after fleeing Syria, he faced significant challenges adapting to Canada. Initially relying on free English classes, he quickly transitioned to learning the language through immersion – listening to music, watching movies, and conversing with customers at his barber shop, Fresh Cuts. Remarkably, he aced his citizenship test, scoring a perfect 20 out of 20.
“When I went back to Kevin’s house the other day, even after a couple months away, I got that first feeling again, like when I first moved to Canada,” Safo shared, highlighting the profound impact of finding stability and belonging. He credits the supportive community and the church with fundamentally reshaping his life and his children’s.
A nation found
The Squamish United Church continues to champion refugee resettlement, currently sponsoring families to Squamish and Calgary. However, the process is increasingly hampered by waning federal support, creating bureaucratic bottlenecks in securing travel documents and visas. “There’s no timeline. It’s just whenever,” lamented Kevin Haberl, underscoring the systemic challenges facing the program. Despite these hurdles, Joudi Safo’s story—one of perseverance, community, and ultimately, citizenship—serves as a powerful reminder of Canada’s commitment to welcoming newcomers and offering a second chance.