The Heart of Home: Matthew House Furniture Bank's Mission of Hope
A Simple Sofa, a New Beginning
The sofa may have looked simple, but as Elohor touched its edges, her eyes filled with gratitude. Just two months earlier, she had arrived in Ottawa as a newcomer, starting from scratch. Thanks to Matthew House Furniture Bank, her once-empty house was finally beginning to feel like home.
“Every piece of furniture has a story, The magic is that each piece becomes part of someone’s new start.” says David Botha, Director of Programs. Since 2011, this dedicated team has transformed empty houses into welcoming homes for newcomers, homeless individuals, and low-income families across Ottawa.
Where Generosity Meets Need
The magic happens behind the scenes in a busy warehouse, where furniture and household essentials, and more quietly await their next story, their next family. Matthew House Furniture Bank is remarkable not just for what it does, but for how it does it with compassion, heart, and a volunteer spirit.
“We’re primarily volunteer-driven,” David says proudly. “It’s a win-win: donors know their furniture goes directly to families who need it, and our clients receive quality pieces to help rebuild their lives.”
The numbers tell the story. Program Admin Assistant Shalini Perera shares that over 1,800 family members were helped in 2024 alone, highlighting both the demand and the organization’s ability to respond. On average, eight clients are served each day, and furniture is carefully matched to each family’s needs, ensuring everyone from single newcomers to large families can feel truly at home.
Senior Program Manager Basel Jalab sums it up: “We’re here to provide the right services for refugees, homeless individuals, and families starting over. It’s about dignity as much as it is about furniture.”
The Heart of the Operation
What keeps Matthew House Furniture Bank running?
Volunteer power and community goodwill, and a small staff. Basel explains: “Voluntarism is the heart of our operation.” When people show up simply because they care, their passion and kindness create a warm, welcoming atmosphere felt the moment anyone walks in.
Shemi Adeoye, Volunteer Coordinator, agrees: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of Matthew House. Currently, 30 volunteers contribute around 400 hours each month but we’re always looking for more helping hands.”
The payoff is clear. Almost every visitor leaves with more than just furniture they leave with hope, relief, and a solid start toward a safer, brighter future. Volunteers’ genuine support helps families feel cared for as they begin again.
Voices of Hope
The true impact of Matthew House Furniture Bank shines in stories like Elohor’s. “The staff greeted me with big smiles,” she recalls. “They didn’t just give me furniture randomly they asked me to choose what I wanted. It was like shopping, but so warm and respectful.” In just two weeks from sign-up to delivery, her house became home, complete with a sofa, table, and kitchen essentials. “Everything about Matthew House Furniture Bank is perfect,” she says.
Nuru, another newcomer, found the furniture bank through her case worker. “In three weeks, I had everything I needed a bed, coffee table, lamp. I left with a smile, already envisioning my new home.”
A Decade of Dedication
Volunteers like Rob exemplify the commitment behind the furniture bank. With over a decade of service, Rob is the go-to person for assembling and repairing furniture, ensuring every bed is sturdy and every table safe. His efforts give children a comfortable place to sleep and families a place to gather small acts that ripple into something much larger.
“Knowing my work brings comfort and togetherness inspires me to keep coming back,” Rob says. His story reflects Matthew House Furniture Bank’s core mission: everyday people making a real difference in their community.
More Than Furniture
David emphasizes that the furniture bank provides more than items it offers dignity, comfort, and a tangible start for new beginnings. “Walking into an empty apartment can be overwhelming,” he says. “With a sofa, a bed, and a dining table, it stops being just a house it becomes home.”
The impact spreads throughout Ottawa: donors feel joy in knowing their furniture is used well, volunteers experience the reward of giving, and families gain hope and stability.
Every day, staff and volunteers work quietly sorting donations, coordinating deliveries, assembling furniture yet each small effort contributes to something profound. Matthew House Furniture Bank demonstrates that when a community comes together with compassion, incredible things can happen. For over a decade, they’ve shown that even small gestures of kindness can spark real change.
In a world that sometimes feels divided, this organization reminds us that we’re all in it together. Everyone deserves a home, and thanks to the dedication of Matthew House Furniture Bank, hope becomes reality for families across Ottawa.
Solomon Teklu,
Ottawa, August 2025