Applications are currently closed for the Worker Program September 2023-2024.

We will begin accepting applications for the September 2024 program in fall 2023. For an application form, please email workerprogram@romerohouse.org.

The Live-in Community

The Romero Workers and staff live together in an intentional community of mutual care and support. They commit to: a practice of regular prayer rooted in an ecumenical expression of the Christian tradition, sharing regular meals, a weekly community night, biweekly spiritual formation, and periodic group retreats. Each Worker is matched with a mentor or spiritual director. Important note: Workers who start the program without culinary skills emerge as five star chefs.

I value the fact that my co-workers are not just co-workers, and that my housemates are not just housemates. Sharing life with the rest of the staff team helps to make each and every interaction that much richer and fuller.
– Joel, former worker

This full-time live-in program gives people the opportunity to live alongside refugees in a spirit of service and mutual care.

From Former Workers

“Being a Worker is stepping into a role of meaningful responsibility. It is gratifying and fun. It is a chance to be part of a community that existed before you, and will continue after you. It is an opportunity to serve, make a difference, and to do something real. It is busy! In this world, giving without expecting to receive is not something everyone is able to do. Workers can dedicate themselves to work they believe in, without needing to measure time and energy.”

Marin

2012-2014

“Having studied philosophy, I had many theories about what it means to welcome the stranger and how to build a community. My theories and preconceptions were challenged at Romero House. I came to realize that ‘the stranger,’ is not that strange, that I can cook with a couple from Venezuela, teach piano to a girl from Turkey, talk about classic films with a man from Pakistan, and watch horror movies with a teenager from Colombia.”

James

2017-2018

“I’m particularly grateful for the practical experience and training offered through the Worker program. I’ve been able to attend conferences, training workshops, and courses that I would never have been able to otherwise. I’ve valued them not only as opportunities to develop my understanding of the refugee settlement field, but also as an affirmation that Romero House is as genuinely committed to investing its Workers as we are to the work we do here.”

Claire

2019-2021

Responsibilities of a Romero Worker

Settlement Support

Accompaniment is at the heart of Romero House. Each Worker accompanies one or two families throughout their immigration and settlement journey. Workers are not expected to be experts on the refugee process, but to walk alongside the refugees so they don’t need to navigate complicated systems alone.

Community Life

Workers are responsible for running the many programs that animate our community life. These programs shift based on the gifts of the Workers and the needs of the families. Common programs include women’s group, kid’s club, March break camp, garden coordination and the planning of many celebrations.

House Coordination

As each Worker lives in one of our four houses alongside two or three families, they are given the great responsibility of facilitating a safe and welcoming home. This means running regular house meetings, ensuring mutual care-taking of the home and maintaining good relationships with the neighbours.

Programs, Administration, and Communication

Being a Worker is a great way to gain skills in running a non-profit. Each Worker has various tasks that may include coordinating volunteers, social media, food bank, fundraising, donations, and more.

Intake work

In addition to supporting the ten families living in our transitional housing, our Centre is busy with a lively walk-in program. One Worker coordinates students and volunteers on intake, providing information, referrals, and settlement support to individuals and families at all stages in the refugee process.

Advocacy + Public Education

Living in solidarity with refugees means taking action where there are injustices in laws and systems. There lots of opportunities for advocacy and public education. It also means attending networking meetings with various advocacy groups, such as the Canadian Council for Refugees or the Ontario Coalition of Service Providers for Refugee Claimants.

Frequently Asked Questions