Take Action

Sponsor a Newcomer

You can help a newcomer adjust to their new life in a safer country.

Fundraise for Upcoming Arrivals

Rainbow Railroad assists hundreds of people to safety across borders each year. But, settling into a new country is costly. Many people Rainbow Railroad helps to safety find themselves no longer persecuted for who they are or who they love, but need financial assistance starting their new lives.

You can view the stories of some of our current newcomers and contribute to their resettlement in their new country. Harness your networks of friends, family and office to fundraise for a newcomer!

View Fundraisers

Create a Settlement Team

Rainbow Railroad’s Private Sponsorship Program (PSR) collaborates with organizations and settlement teams to support newcomers.

Support for newcomers typically span a year, at approximately CAD $23,000 for their first year in Canada. The Government of Canada provides 3-6 months of financial support, depending on the program and case. The remaining financial supports (in the range of CAD$12,000 and $16,000) is provided by settlement teams with support from Rainbow Railroad. This is usually done through collaborative fundraising efforts.

Rainbow Railroad provides support through the application processes in addition to offering resources to help the LGBTQI+ newcomer resettle and adjust to their life in Canada. Settlement teams are integral to newcomer adjustment.

If you have the capacity and passion for helping and welcoming LGBTQI+ newcomers, Rainbow Railroad encourages you to fill out the form below.

Further questions about this program can be sent to [email protected]

Offers of Housing Support

If you are interested in offering housing to an LGBTQI+ newcomer either at a reduced cost or through a full donation, first of all – thank you! Housing and accommodations are incredible and helpful donations and go a long way into helping our case individuals!

Please note that arranging appropriate housing for an LGBTQI+ newcomer can be a complex process, and while we are so appreciative of your offer, it is possible we won’t be able to match your offer with a specific case for some time. At this time, please note that we are not currently able to match newcomers with offers of housing in the United States, but encourage you to indicate your interest regardless, as we hope to be able to do so in the future.

If you’d like to receive a tax receipt for some or all of your donation of housing, we encourage you to read the guidelines found here, or reach out to us directly with questions on the process.