Refugee and immigrant council still looking for new home

The executive director of the St. John's Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council says news of the organization's struggles has sparked more donations, but no new home yet.

• With no rent money for November, St. John's-based refugee and immigrant council facing eviction

As reported by CBC in October, dwindling financial support for the council meant it couldn't afford to cover its November expenses and was going to have to leave its downtown office.

I'm looking after people from coffee shops and my car.- Jose Rivera

Volunteer executive director Jose Rivera told CBC on Friday that as word of the organization's financial difficulties has gotten out, more donors have been coming forward, and the council is looking at restructuring and downsizing to cut costs. Rivera said RIAC is still meeting with newcomers to the country to help them settle in.

"I'm looking after people from coffee shops and my car," he said.

It's early yet, but so far the council has still been able to look after its clients' needs, with the exception of the English as a Second Language programs it offers. With 35 people in a class and five classes a week, "I can't do that out of my basement," said Rivera.

The council is also exploring a couple of possibilities for a new, more affordable space, but nothing has been firmed up.

"It's still a maybe. Nothing definite yet," said Rivera.