Stories to Share

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 […]

It’s just a community garden, but it has meant so much more for Asma, Sabrina and Hana. These young ladies in the Sunnydale neighbourhood have learned how to overcome shyness, develop fun activities for younger children, and give back to a community that has always been there for them. They’ve become leaders. Hana had already […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 28, 2022 Today, the Region of Waterloo and House of Friendship are launching a behind-the-scenes look at renovations now underway at House of Friendship’s new shelter location at 190 Weber St. N. through a new video (at www.AroundtheRegion.ca/HouseofFriendship).  The video highlights the Region’s substantial support of ShelterCare, through $570,000 in annual […]

When Maryam fled Iran two years ago after facing persecution for not wearing her headscarf, she didn’t know just how challenging her life would become. Maryam and her children left so quickly that her husband was unable to join them – and he can’t come to Canada until she has permanent resident status, which could […]

Today, we welcomed Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, to our Men’s Residential Addiction Treatment Centre in Cambridge, where he announced an incredible $90-million investment in addiction treatment throughout the province of Ontario! As part of that $90 million, House of Friendship will receive $584,000 over the next three years, allowing us […]

On Jan. 12, Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris, on behalf of the Province of Ontario, announced $8.5 million in capital funding towards House of Friendship’s purchase of 190 Weber St. N., the former Comfort Inn. This purchase will provide some long-term stability to House of Friendship’s ShelterCare program. Read the official media release here.

Twenty-six years ago, John Lambert responded to a call from the pulpit to do more for those in need. John was so inspired by a sermon at his church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, that the very next weekend, he went out to ask for donations of potatoes for the House of Friendship at the Beechwood Zehrs […]

I thought I was going to die. And I think I came very close. On that bitterly cold winter night, two years ago,  I woke up on a hard sidewalk in downtown Kitchener.    I guess I had passed out. It’s the closest I had come yet to overdosing, to dying on a lonely street […]

For Jitendra, every day is a struggle. It hasn’t always been this way.  Until two years ago, he was working full-time as a general machinist at a Kitchener manufacturer, and making good money. He was able to make ends meet, and support his wife Lisa and their two children. Then tragedy struck. Lisa collapsed after […]