Clint Malarchuk knows a thing or two about beginning again. The former NHL goaltender, most famous for surviving a skate blade to the neck (and returning to the ice 10 days later) has struggled back from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and addiction. He also survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the skull, a suicide attempt […]
We’re celebrating 80 years at House of Friendship. Thank you for being there for the journey!
Staff at House of Friendship celebrated its 80th birthday in the best way possible – by spending it together as a community. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, three separate celebrations were held throughout the day, with staff gathering to share stories, reflect on the past, and look towards the future. The “House of Friendship For All […]
“When Damien went in to 174 King, I had lost hope. I was looking for him to be someone else’s problem.” When Eileen McKenna’s husband Damien entered House of Friendship’s men’s residential addiction treatment program, she was ready to move on. She was ready for a new chapter in her life. She never thought her family […]
The first time Lydia tried crack cocaine, she was hooked. “I did crack once, and I was addicted. It was an instant downhill from there.” Lydia had turned to drugs to numb the anxiety and panic triggered by recurring memories of a childhood trauma. She was in her mid-30s with a job, a family and […]
It all began with a hug. Susan had been through a lot. She had just left an emotionally abusive relationship, and was struggling. She had moved to Kitchener, with her only connection a family member. At 62 years of age and reeling from the drastic change her life had taken, Susan was unable to work. […]
Thank you! On Wednesday, July 11, more than 150 golfers joined together to Play with Purpose, helping support the Charles Street Men’s Shelter. It was a beautiful day on the links for golfers at Grand Valley Golf & Country Club and Doon Valley Golf Course. Golfers enjoyed a variety of fun activities, from chipping and […]
Matthew never expected that he could become homeless. It wasn’t part of the plan. Matthew shares his journey from homelessness to housing stability, with help from House of Friendship’s Charles Street Men’s Shelter.
Ali arrived in Canada with little more than the clothes on his back. In 2016, Ali and his family travelled from Colombia to Canada as refugees, making the journey across the Canadian-American border by foot. He, his wife and their two children each had a backpack. Everything else had been left behind. “It was very […]
Thank you, Waterloo Region! Because of you, men and women seeking freedom from their addictions will be able to receive the treatment they need, at a treatment facility that provides greater dignity with expanded programming and access. At this year’s Annual General Meeting, held on Tuesday, June 19, House of Friendship Executive Director John Neufeld […]
