Between Two Lives: Jimmy's Story
“Matthew House has done wonderful things for me. I was able to become integrated with Canadian society, and I’m so thankful for my life today.”
– Jimmy
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We love sharing the stories of the amazing people connected to Matthew House Ottawa. Enjoy!
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“I had no family members in Canada,” says Jimmy. “Matthew House was my first point of contact in Ottawa.”
Experiencing the shock of a new culture – and a frozen winter! – the refugee from Burundi arrived in the city in February 2012. “I couldn’t speak English,” Jimmy remembers. “I didn’t even have a coat.” A social worker connected him with Matthew House.
Overwhelmed by the language barrier and the complexity of the immigration process, Jimmy was relieved to find himself in such a warm and welcoming environment. Volunteers translated for him, and ensured he was given a winter coat right away.
“It’s really the first image you get of your new life,” says Jimmy. “It’s the first contact for refugees with Canadians. When you’ve already been through so much, it means a lot to know you’re welcome.”
Dinner was an anchor for the then 21-year-old refugee. Sitting down to share a warm meal with his fellow residents and speak with volunteers about his next steps was a comfort, and Jimmy began to build his confidence navigating Ottawa.
“They took us in and showed us love. They made sense of a really complex process,” he says of Matthew House’s dedicated volunteers and staff. Jimmy was connected with lawyers to guide him as he completed his immigration process, and today he proudly calls himself a Canadian citizen.
After staying two and a half months at Matthew House, Jimmy was ready to move out on his own. He rented a room through a volunteer connection and began his next chapter.
“Matthew House has done wonderful things for me. I was able to become integrated with Canadian society, and I’m so thankful for my life today.”
Jimmy is currently a student at the University of Ottawa, where he is completing a Master’s degree in Political Science. After working a variety of jobs over the years, he’s excited to see what lays ahead. “I’m ready to jump in!” he jokes of his future career.
When asked to sum up his time at Matthew House, Jimmy says thoughtfully, “It felt like living in a family home. You had someone to look after you, you felt included as you learned a new culture and met new people. It really cushions the transition between two lives.”
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Want to help more refugees and newcomers like Jimmy? Here’s how you can open doors at 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: The consistent support from our monthly donors is a HUGE help, and we would encourage you to give in this way if you are able. You can set up a monthly donation here – just be sure to click “monthly” under “donation frequency”.
Volunteer with us: We currently need volunteers, especially with our refugee services program.
Refugee Services: We welcome donations of grocery cards, 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 (dkatto@matthewhouseottawa.org).
Furniture Bank: If you have gently-used furniture you no longer need, please give us a call at 613-591-6681. 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 7000 families in need. We have done this as a large, dedicated team of volunteers and a handful of employees, with a lot of passion and commitment. Thank you for helping to make this important work possible!
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Matthew House Ottawa values the wishes of those we serve in sharing their stories. We have therefore used stock photography in this story to maintain client confidentiality.