Barriers and outcomes in the housing search for new immigrants and refugees

Special attention was paid here to the first permanent residence and the current residence in which the respondents had lived since their arrival in Toronto and the difficulty of the housing search process. [...] Results were presented separately for the following interrelated aspects of the relocation process: a) the most important reasons for moving; b) information sources used in the search process; c) difficulties experienced in the housing search and reasons for the difficulties; d) searching for housing in the Portuguese community; e) the housing outcome and levels of satisfaction with present dwelli [...] The majority of the Angolan (85%), and almost half 8 (48.3%) of the Mozambican, respondents found the search for the first permanent residence “very difficult” or “somewhat difficult.” It seems that over time the housing search improved for the Mozambican group, while the Angolans continued to face difficulty. [...] In the case of the Angolans and Mozambicans, the advantage of a shared language is offset by some prejudice and discrimination on the basis of race – colour of skin – by some Portuguese landlords. [...] With regard to their involvement and participation in the life of the Portuguese community results indicate that Cape Verdeans (56.7%) more often than Angolans (48.3%) and Mozambicans (28.3%) participate in the “life” of the Portuguese community in terms of living within the community, or by working or shopping in Portuguese stores.