"I’m so blessed to have been given this second chance"
“I’m living proof that everyday people can touch and change lives. After all, it’s thanks to Matthew House supporters that I am where I am today.”
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In recognition of World Refugee Day, read this moving story from Francine*, one of the refugees we welcomed at Matthew House Ottawa last year.
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When I arrived in Canada, I knew absolutely nobody. I spent my first weeks here in a Montreal shelter – cold and anxious. There were 12 of us sharing a room, and I couldn’t sleep despite how tired I was. It was December, and I had no clothes or winter coat of my own. I couldn’t find a doctor who would see me despite my ongoing medical issues. Those were dark and difficult days.
I heard about Matthew House Ottawa, and decided to give them a call. I was so thankful when they told me to come in. Being given a place to stay at Matthew House was the best news I’d had in a very long time.
The environment was so very different from the shelter I’d stayed at before. I had a bed of my own, a place to lie down and rest. From the second I walked through the door, it felt like home. My soul settled for the first time since leaving for Canada.
The support I received at Matthew House was amazing.
Right away, I was able to pick out some clothes from the donations people had brought by. Staff helped me see a doctor. There was food to eat, and new friends to laugh with. I knew then that I was going to be okay.
Matthew House staff and volunteers helped me with my refugee claim, found workshops so I could learn more about Canadian culture, and assisted me in finding a place to live. Today, I have an apartment of my own that I share with a single roommate. I’ve come a long way since those first days in the shelter, sharing with 12 other women.
I’m living proof that everyday people can touch and change lives. After all, it’s thanks to Matthew House supporters that I am where I am today.
I’m so blessed to have been given this second chance.
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Wanna help? Here is how you can change lives through Matthew House Ottawa:
Donations: you can give online here or cheques can be mailed to 380 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa ON K2G 6A1.
Become a monthly donor: consider setting up a monthly donation. The consistent support from our monthly donors has been a HUGE help during this time, and we would encourage you to give in this way if you are able. You can set up a monthly donation here – just click “donate monthly” tab at the top of the page.
Refugee Services: If you want to support our refugee services program, please be in touch with Doreen at dkatto@matthewhouseottawa.org. We welcome donations of grocery cards (or groceries and frozen meals) to help feed the refugees we have welcomed at the house, though we ask that you please contact Doreen in advance to make arrangements.
Furniture Bank: If you have gently-used furniture you no longer need, please click here or give us a call at 613-591-6681 to discuss options for a safe pick up or drop off. And please spread the word among your networks as well!
Pray: for past, present and future residents and furniture bank clients
Since 2010, Matthew House Ottawa has welcomed hundreds of refugee claimants, and provided quality used furniture to about 5000 families in need. We have done this as a large, dedicated team of volunteers and a small handful of employees, with a lot of passion and commitment. We invite you to join us!