House of Friendship is a charitable human service agency founded in 1939 in partnership with many local Christian churches.
Today, House of Friendship continues to value the opportunity to work with local Christian churches, and to work with many faith groups and community partners.
The mission of House of Friendship is to serve low-income adults, youth and children in need of support, and to promote opportunities for personal growth, wholesome relationships and community development through the application of holistic Christian principles.
Last year, we served over 42,000 people living on low income in Waterloo Region through 18 programs, which focus on:
- Supporting Healthy Lives (Addiction Services)
- Assisting and Feeding Those In Need (Community Services)
- Building Strong Families and Strong Communities (Family Services)
- Providing Shelter and Supportive Housing (Residential services)
With your support, people are able to survive and get back on their feet by receiving emergency food and shelter. And, they are able to benefit from opportunities to lead healthier lives and to grow, connect and develop in their communities. Together, we offer help and hope. Today, we are needed more than ever. House of Friendship is working to raise over $910,000 in annual donations to continue to serve our neighbours in need.
You can securely donate to House of Friendship electronically through Canada Helps (click on "donate now" above) or send your donation to us at the address below. House of Friendship is a registered charity (#10749-3892-RR0001) and will gladly issue a charitable income tax receipt for your donation along with our appreciation.
Click on the You Can Help tab to find out other ways you can get involved in this work and extend the hand of friendship to our neighbours in need or contact us at 519-742-8327. Looking for a particular staff or program? For a listing of Administrative Team staff contact information click on the About Us tab above, and use the Programs tab for specific program information.
Thank you for visiting. We look forward to hearing from you!
John Neufeld, Executive Director
Finding A Home, And A Future
In 1986 the doors of House of Friendship's Kiwanis House program opened to welcome young men struggling to find a temporary home while they got on their feet. Almost twenty-five years later, the program continues to serve as a transitional home for young men, 16-19 years of age, like Mike, who need safe supportive housing, and support learning how to live independently.
Upon leaving custody, Mike, who was 16 years old at the time, could not live with his parents and ended up at Kiwanis House with some persuasion from his probation officer. He freely admits he didn't want to be there, but eventually he built relationships with staff and program participants that would support him through the transition to living independently.
Today, Mike has a new outlook, one that includes dreams of going to college and helping others. At Kiwanis House, he not only found a home, but a future. To read more about Mike's story, click on Friendship News March 2010.
Better yet, stop by Kiwanis House on Tuesday March 23, 2010, 4-6 p.m. for a special Open House celebrating an extraordinary gift by the Kiwanis Clubs of Kitchener Waterloo and Twin Cities.
