The Simple Joys: Ashley’s Story
“When I left the Furniture Bank, it was like a burden had lifted from my shoulders.”
– Ashley
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We love sharing the stories of the amazing people connected to Matthew House Ottawa. Enjoy!
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“I’m not accustomed to anyone doing anything for me.”
Ashley’s gratitude is obvious as she begins to recount her visit to Matthew House Ottawa’s Furniture Bank. After fleeing the Caribbean to seek asylum in Canada, she spent her first winter at a shelter in Toronto along with her spouse and child before coming to Ottawa.
“The shelter was a low point,” Ashley recalls. “I was assaulted there, and no one did anything. As soon as we could save up the money, we left.”
Fortunately, Ottawa provided a warmer welcome for the mother and her family. Ashley connected with a case worker, who eventually was able to get her into subsidized housing and on the list for an appointment with Matthew House’s Furniture Bank.
“I was a nervous wreck when I got that call,” says Ashley. “I was so excited, but also scared. I knew we didn’t have anything we needed to set up our home.”
Thankfully, your support of Matthew House ensured Ashley and her family could get the furniture and supplies they needed to begin their next chapter.
Volunteers at the Furniture Bank greeted Ashley with smiles and enthusiasm, guiding her through the showroom and making helpful suggestions about what she may need. With their support, Ashley was able to pick out a table and chairs, living room set, bookshelves, kitchenware, nightstands, and everything else her family required to fill their empty apartment.
“The women who helped me were amazing! It felt like I was shopping,” Ashley shares. “At first I didn’t know what to pick, and I was worried about taking too much. But they made me feel super comfortable. When I left the Furniture Bank, it was like a burden had lifted from my shoulders.”
Most meaningfully, Ashley was set up with everything necessary for a cozy Christmas: a tree, ornaments, and even hot chocolate mugs. She took great pride decorating for her family’s first holiday season together in their new home.
“Now, I love just sitting in my living room every evening feeling cozy,” smiles Ashley. She shares that it’s some of the smallest things she received at the Furniture Bank that have made her family’s day-to-day life a little bit easier: even just having a potato peeler has made a difference.
As the winter winds on, Ashley’s looking forward to exploring Ottawa more in the spring with her daughter. She hopes for more outdoor playdates, and to continue making new friends amongst her neighbours.
Your support of Matthew House helps families like Ashley’s find a brighter future in their new home.
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Matthew House Ottawa supporters help keep programs like our Furniture Bank running. Here’s how you can open more doors for our community:
• Donate: you can make a donation online or cheques can be mailed to 380 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa ON K2G 6A1.
• Volunteer: We currently need volunteers to support our furniture bank and refugee services programs. Click here for more info and to apply.
• Donate Furniture: If you have gently-used furniture to share 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. Thank you for helping to make this important work possible!