Stories to Share

Jim Furlong knows what it’s like to grow up with very little. As an orphan, Jim stayed in foster care. He often got in trouble at school, and struggled to find his place in the world. When he was 12, Jim had to make a choice. He could either provide labour on a farm, or […]

It’s taken a long time for Courtney to feel at home. As an adopted Black child growing up in a white family in Kitchener, Courtney was the target of racist taunts from his classmates. “It was always stupid things,” said Courtney. “My parents were white, and I was from the Caribbean. I didn’t fit. I […]

“I used to donate to the food bank. I never expected I would one day need to go and ask for food.” Leonard, 59, has been trying to rebuild his life for years. In 2010, Leonard was in a car accident that caused serious injuries – three broken ribs, and an injured hip. He was […]

This year, March break provided an opportunity for leadership and growth for two young women in the Courtland Shelley community. Through our Youth Leadership Program that your support makes possible, Fredlyne and Estera, both 16, had a chance to plan an entire March break camp for local children. Both girls have strong connections to House of Friendship’s […]

House of Friendship is part of Jim Erb’s DNA. Jim grew up regularly helping his aunt cut up carrots and other vegetables in the shelter kitchen. “We worked to get food ready for the rest of the week,” said Jim. “So, my exposure to House of Friendship started when I would have been about eight […]

Ralphy was tired of seeing his friends die. “I lost five friends in one week. It’s something that stays with you,” said Ralphy. He grew up in an abusive household, regularly receiving beatings that were so severe that he couldn’t sit down. Still, Ralphy didn’t turn to drugs until his stepfather was murdered by an […]

For Sue, Eby Village is more than a place to live; it’s a community. This makes it different from any other place she has called home. “People talk to each other and spend time together and help each other.” Built in 1990, Eby Village is one of House of Friendship’s supportive housing communities. Here, residents […]

Everything is costing more these days. Few people know this more than Michael. Every week, Michael, 66, visits Chandler Mowat Community Centre, to supplement his limited income with food at House of Friendship’s weekly food distribution program. He also finds many other ways to try and save money, whether it is collecting empty beer cans, […]

Since 2005, the Astley Family Foundation has followed its passion – funding programs that help youth grow and flourish, particularly youth who have to overcome the challenges of poverty. For Jennifer Astley, this means a focus on what can be the most significant and challenging time in a young person’s life – that awkward transition […]

Neighbours surrounding Sunnydale Community Centre gathered for a lively Eid al-Fitr celebration this past Saturday. Nearly 300 community members enjoyed the sunshine as they shared a barbecue, with halal meats provided by the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Almost a third of these attendees were young children, who enjoyed gifts that were prepared for them […]