A Thousand Welcomes: Inside MHO Refugee Services

What started as a single house with a humble mission has blossomed into a shining symbol of hope for countless refugees in search of safety and a fresh start in Canada. Matthew House Ottawa recently marked a significant milestone by welcoming its 1,000th resident. This achievement is rooted in a powerful narrative of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to changing lives.

The Journey So Far: From a Seed to a Sanctuary

Matthew House Ottawa started small, with volunteers who wanted to help newcomers feel at home. 'It started as a small seed, a dream shared by volunteers who simply wanted newcomers to feel welcomed,' says Kailee Brennan, the Executive Director. "From one house in 2010, we’ve grown to 26 locations. From one small house to welcoming our 1,000th resident—it shows what happens when you care deeply and meet a real need in the community." Kailee explains.

Abdul, the Senior Manager, reflects on MHO’s growth with a unique perspective. Having joined the organization five years ago, he acknowledges the progress they’ve made but emphasizes what truly matters: "the lives we've touched, the people we've supported, and the futures we've helped shape." For him, the impact on individuals is far more meaningful than any numerical milestones.

As Matthew House staff often reflect, what started as a single welcoming home has blossomed into a movement—where simple acts of kindness, from shared meals to donated essentials and words of support, have turned fear into hope for refugees time and again.

Voices of Resilience: How Matthew House Ottawa Transforms Lives

Matthew House Ottawa assists refugees transitioning to life in Canada by providing both immediate support and long-term settlement help. Through the experiences of past residents Faith, Meseret and Francis, we see how the organization addresses practical needs while fostering independence. Their stories demonstrate Matthew House's comprehensive support to refugee integration.

A Place That Embraces Refugees with Open Arms

For people who've lost everything, Matthew House becomes more than shelter—it becomes home.

Faith recalls her arrival: "Matthew House gave me food, shelter, love, and everything...They were a family to me." She reflects, "What's important isn't the material things, but the care and love I got from Matthew House." Meseret describes her first night: "They didn't just give me a bed, they gave me a safe place to be." She still feels connected, noting how Matthew House checks on her "just like Mom and Dad would." Francis, once a scared young man, stands taller now as he remembers. "I was a boy when I came here," he shares. "Matthew House made me a young grown man." The fear he first felt melted away in Matthew House's welcoming embrace, giving him the courage to face his new life.

Essential Helps for a Fresh Start

Matthew House doesn't just open its doors it gives people the tools to walk through life confidently. Meseret, a former resident describes how Matthew House helped her settle in Canada: 

"They created opportunities for me to get computer lessons, English classes, and furniture for my first apartment...I wasn't starting from nothing—I was starting with support."

Francis reflects on his volunteer experience: 

It led to friendships, even family, and eventually to a stable job." As a volunteer host, he explains: "Matthew House showed me respect, love and care—I showed the same to newcomers."

Building Futures: From Survival to Success

The real proof of Matthew House's impact isn't in the beds they provide, but in the lives they help rebuild.

Meseret explains how Matthew House helped her grow: "The classes and resources weren't just about survival, they taught me how to thrive." The furniture from Matthew House's Furniture Bank furnished her new home. Faith describes their impact: "They played a big part in helping me become the person I am today...Because of Matthew House, I am who I am now." She calls it "the right place for anyone fleeing their homeland and seeking safety in Canada." Francis shares his transformation: 

"Matthew House was the link between the person I was and the person I was meant to be."

Looking Forward

Looking ahead, Kailee wants to focus on quality. "I don't care about building a big organization—I care about building a good one," she says. They are working on training staff and making sure all locations offer the same good service. "The sky is the limit" she adds. With a strong team, she believes they can handle whatever comes next.

Solomon Teklu

Ottawa, July 2025