Imagine you left your own country because you were afraid for your safety. Or imprisonment. Or persecution. Discrimination. War.

Through our refugee services, we welcome refugee claimants from every corner of the globe. We provide a bed, food and essential support in a family-style atmosphere for more than 140 people at a time in our six reception houses and twelve transition houses.

Until they find employment and a place to live, we walk with our residents every step of the way as they begin their journey to independence.

Reception Houses

The first step for residents beginning their journey with our refugee services. Here they receive support on a daily basis from our staff and volunteers onsite. Following a 2-3 month period here, residents either move to other longterm housing options, or to one of our transition homes.

Transition Houses

Historically our housing residents stay with us for 3-4 months until they secure work permit, employment, and longer-term housing. However, increasing challenges in addition to those resulting from the pandemic are making it harder for residents to move out and onto their next chapter.

This gap in housing supports has led us to expand to include transition homes. Transitioning from our original housing program, these residents no longer require day-to-day support. Staff are onsite on an as-needed basis, and tenants continue to access the support they need from the Matthew House team. Each resident we move into our transition homes frees up a space for us to welcome and support another newly arrived homeless refugee.

Our house locations around ottawa:

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Our residents Immediate Needs:

For food, bedding, and clothing donations, please call 613-212-1499 or email us at info@matthewhouseottawa.org to understand our residents’ current needs.

Do you have an extra room in your house? Apply to host a refugee claimant coming out of our program with our partner, Refugee Housing: https://refugeehousing.ca/

Do you have a home to rent? If so, please complete this form and we will follow up to discuss how we can partner together to welcome and support refugees.

Do you have a car that you don’t need anymore? Donate it to Matthew House! You will receive a generous tax receipt, and the car will be put to use immediately to support the work of Matthew House. Contact David at dbotha@matthewhouseottawa.org for more info.
We need blankets, quilts and comforters! As well as bedding and towels, etc.
Winter clothing: adult sized coats, hats, gloves, boots, etc.
Food: Frozen meals and non-perishable food items.
Donations: give financial support so that we can continue to welcome refugees
Volunteer: get details and application form