Stories to Share

Giving A Gift that Lives On

Posted on: July 28th, 2023

For Catherine and Terry Gitzel, the idea that children in their own community were hungry was shocking. “To think that 10 minutes from our home, there are children going to school without breakfast, it just didn’t make sense,” said Catherine. “It’s not supposed to happen here.” Catherine found this out when looking for ways to […]

Scholarship to “Change the Odds” for students

Posted on: July 25th, 2023

A life-changing scholarship will make it easier for young students living on low income to achieve a university education. The House of Friendship Leadership Scholarship, made possible through a substantial grant from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, will help two high school students connected to House of Friendship programs attend University of Waterloo while living […]

A Chance to Lead

Posted on: July 7th, 2023

By the time Steffon was only 16 years old, he had already been arrested several times. He constantly got into fights and found it nearly impossible to control his temper. As a child growing up in Guyana, Steffon was diagnosed with epilepsy. But it wasn’t until he arrived in Canada many years later that he […]

House of Friendship’s 84th AGM

Posted on: June 23rd, 2023

It was amazing to see so many of you at this year’s Annual General Meeting and Strawberry Social at Catalyst 137! On Monday, June 19, more than 200 community members gathered together for our 84th AGM  and enjoyed a time of connection and community, and enjoyed the chance to learn more about the impact of […]

You Are Providing Help When Tragedy Strikes

Posted on: June 23rd, 2023

Every week, Elizabeth volunteers to hand out food to her fellow community members at Forest Heights Community Centre. “I try to keep my mind off my troubles,” said Elizabeth, with translation help from Shahlaa, a House of Friendship team member. “I like volunteering – it helps.” Elizabeth came to Canada 20 years ago, leaving behind […]

The Love Language of Basketball

Posted on: May 5th, 2023

“I wish I could play all the time,” said Mercy. “I love coming here and seeing my coaches and friends, and meeting new people.” “If I didn’t come here, I’d probably just stay home and watch TV,” said Emily. Mercy and Emily are both 11, and come from different communities – Mercy lives near Victoria […]

Finding a Place to Belong

Posted on: April 28th, 2023

Razuma knows first-hand what a difference it makes to have a place to belong. Over the years, her family has received support through House of Friendship’s Neighbourhoods programs, including summer camp for Razuma and her siblings, and food when money was tight. “House of Friendship has always provided that safe community for families,” said Razuma. “All […]

Not Alone Anymore

Posted on: April 27th, 2023

When Megan first realized she needed help to feed her son, it broke her heart. “My mom had never asked for help when we were growing up, even though we struggled,” said Megan. “Here I was, years later, asking for help. It was hard. I felt like I was failing my son. I felt like […]

Supportive Housing & Community Hub on Charles!

Posted on: January 6th, 2023

We are so excited to share with you our vision to build a Supportive Housing and Community Hub on our current Charles Street property in downtown Kitchener, replacing our aging shelter that will move to its new location at 190 Weber St. N. in Waterloo early next year.  This new facility will add a third […]

ShelterCare’s Home is Coming Soon!

Posted on: December 30th, 2022

We know you, as our closest supporters, are eagerly anticipating the opening of our new ShelterCare location in Waterloo (190 Weber St. N.).  Given the urgent need for shelter spaces in Waterloo Region, we continue to do all we can to see the completion of these renovations as quickly as possible. While the extent of […]

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