How We Help

TMP Initiatives That Promote Wellbeing and Foster Belonging for Newcomers

Buddy Up!

Guidance and Connection for Newcomers

Relocation can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unfamiliar with your surroundings.

Buddy Up! is designed to help newcomers settle into their new cities with ease and confidence by pairing them with experienced mentors who:

* Live in the same or neighboring cities.

* Provide practical guidance on navigating local resources, services, and systems.

* Share tips on adjusting to life in a new country, from transportation to cultural nuances.

Here's how it works:

Newcomers (Newbie Buddies) are matched with experienced individuals (Buddy Mentors) for 1 month.

During the month, participants can meet up for coffee, explore their city, or connect virtually based on their preferences.

After the month ends, participants can choose to either end or continue their connection, though we sincerely hope these relationships grow beyond the initial pairing.

Once you sign up, an introductory video will be sent to you that outlines program expectations, goals, and tips for making the most of Buddy Up!

Before pairing begins, all Buddy Mentors will also receive a training video. This session ensures consistency and quality in the support mentors provide.

After pairing, we will check in with participants a couple of times during the month to find out how things are going and provide additional support if needed.

Buddy Up! isn’t just about guidance — it’s about building bridges, fostering community, and making relocation a little less overwhelming. Whether you’re new and seeking support or you’ve been here a while and want to share your experiences, Buddy Up! is the perfect way to connect.

FIND YOUR BUDDY!

Heart to Home

Securing accommodation in a new country is challenging enough, let's help lighten the load.

So what exactly is Heart to Home?

Settling into a new country is filled with unique challenges - securing good accommodation is just one step. But what happens next? Furnishing a home from scratch can be overwhelming and costly. That’s where Heart to Home comes in.

Heart to Home is a community-driven initiative by The MEHRI Project (TMP) that connects immigrants and refugees with generous individuals who want to donate gently used furniture, appliances, and other essential household items. By bridging the gap between those in need and those willing to give, we help newcomers settle in with greater ease.

At this time, Heart to Home is currently focused on serving those in Ontario, Canada.

How It Works

Give or Receive

* If you have gently used household items to share, we’ll connect you with a newcomer in need.

* If you’re a newcomer looking for essentials, we’ll match you with a donor when your desired essentials become available.

Easy Selection

Donors provide photos of available items so recipients can choose what best suits their needs.

Flexible Exchanges

We facilitate the connections, not delivery.

Donors and recipients arrange pickup or delivery at their convenience.

JOIN HEART TO HOME

Coming Soon

Unburdening Services

A Listening Ear When You Need It

Relocation can bring emotional strain, and sometimes, you just need someone to talk to.

TMP’s Unburdening Services will connect newcomers with:

- Volunteer Companions: Supportive individuals offering a friendly ear (and referrals to relevant community resources when needed).

- Volunteer Counsellors: Trained volunteers ready to provide guidance.

This initiative is about providing a safe space to share experiences and feel supported during challenging times.

Soft Landing Webinars

Equipping Newcomers for Success

Navigating life in a new country can feel like solving a puzzle. TMP’s Soft Landing Webinars will offer:

- Mental Health Strategies: Tips to protect emotional wellbeing during relocation.

- Practical Resources: Guidance on housing, healthcare, and other essential services.

- Community Insights: Information on local organizations that can support newcomers.

These webinars will empower newcomers with the tools they need to thrive in their new homes.

It Gets Better Interviews

Transition Stories That Inspire Hope

Relocation comes with its challenges, but it also opens the door to transformation and resilience. TMP’s It Gets Better Interview series will feature:

- Real-life stories of immigrants and refugees who’ve successfully settled into fulfilling new lives.

- Tips, insights, and lessons learned from their unique journeys.

- Inspiration to remind newcomers that brighter days are ahead.

This series aims to foster hope and empower newcomers to embrace the possibilities that come with starting over.