When Jen sits down at Christmas with a holiday feast she has prepared for her family, she feels thankful. Thankful that, thanks to your support, she can provide something special for her children that one day of the year. “It’s a sense of relief. I’m here, my kids are here, and we’re together. I did […]
John is rediscovering what it is like to be a helper. John, one of our ShelterCare participants, has found meaningful ways to give back during his time with us, including encouraging and supporting other participants. “One night, I stayed up for 30 hours just talking to someone,” said John. “It reminded me of when I […]
“Get a job, you loser.” Mark* still remembers how it felt when an angry man hurled this insult at him as he was getting ready to sleep in his car. The reality was Mark was working at the time – he just didn’t have anywhere else to go. The sad truth is that so […]
Robin was only 12 when he had his first drink. Even then, he knew it was trouble. That euphoric feeling came over me, and I was terrified. I knew right away to keep it a secret.” Robin grew up around family and friends who struggled with alcohol. “It was a real party culture that I […]
“I want to share what’s been a part of my life with others. You only get to keep what you give away.” That’s the philosophy that Will Stoltz lives by. At 82 years old, it has served him well. Growing up, Will was a self-described introvert, and struggled to connect with others. That changed with […]
It’s been an incredible journey at our new ShelterCare facility in Waterloo! Since moving in earlier this year, our ShelterCare team has been working closely with our community partners to support men experiencing homelessness. Thanks to your compassionate, caring support, 100 men are now receiving health-care, addiction and mental health supports. These men are getting […]
Sherry left home when she was only 16 years old. It was her birthday. Her dad kicked her out after Sherry held a party when her parents were away. There was no second chance. As far back as she could remember, Sherry’s life had always been unstable – both of her parents struggled with alcohol […]
Every week, newcomers to the community meet at Sunnydale Community Centre to take part in an English conversation circle. Barbara and Evelyn, two volunteers who lead the group, said it’s often about much more than trying to learn to speak English more fluently – it’s about finding a community. “I think it’s less about the […]
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 […]
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 […]
