Stories to Share

Friendship Golf Update

Posted on: July 10th, 2024

We want to share an important update regarding today’s Friendship Golf event. Due to heavy rain, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the golf portion of our annual tournament. Instead, we’re hosting a modified event that includes dinner, beginning at 4 pm and concluding by 6 pm at Beaverdale Golf Course. Attendees will […]

You Are There For Mabel

Posted on: July 5th, 2024

“When I get up in the morning, I think, ‘can I make someone happy today, make them smile?’” At 86 years old, Mabel has an incredibly positive outlook on life. It’s even more impressive knowing she doesn’t have long to live. Mabel lives with heart failure and cancer, and is in pain every day – […]

From Homelessness To Housed

Posted on: June 28th, 2024

The one-bedroom unit is simply furnished, and might not seem that special at first glance. But for Big B (the name he prefers to go by), it means so much.  His care and attention is everywhere.  Everything is neat and tidy. Some of his artwork hangs on the walls, and Big B is quick to […]

Friendship Village – a New Vision for Charles Street!

Posted on: June 27th, 2024

We are thrilled to share with you our vision to build a supportive housing and community hub on our current Charles Street property in downtown Kitchener! “Friendship Village” is an exciting two-phased project that will provide new homes for individuals experiencing homelessness in Waterloo Region. The first phase of the project will add 100 new […]

Getting a Fresh Start

Posted on: June 21st, 2024

When Daryl was a teen, he thought he had found the cure for all of life’s problems. “I took my first drink and thought, ‘this stuff fixes everything,’” said Daryl. “I wanted to be a rock star, and I decided this is what rock stars do.” Daryl left home in his 20s, pursuing his dreams. […]

Giving Back Runs in the Family

Posted on: April 26th, 2024

“I wish everyone had food.” Binny Musselman, a Grade 5 student, has always been troubled by how many people in our community don’t have enough to eat. She comes by it naturally – her grandparents, Betty and John Galbraith, regularly dedicate one day a week to volunteering at House of Friendship’s Emergency Food Hamper program. […]

We All Have a Responsibility

Posted on: April 19th, 2024

“I think we all have a duty, a responsibility to the community we live in.” Brandon Strnad became a monthly donor at House of Friendship because of this belief – and because of the challenges he faced as a child. “I had a rough childhood,” said Brandon. “I could have turned out a lot differently.” […]

You are Providing A Fresh Start for Joan

Posted on: April 12th, 2024

Joan* doesn’t know where she would be without House of Friendship. Every week, Joan receives food deliveries through the Kingsdale Neighbourhood Food program – delivered to her door because Joan is unable to pick it up herself. Joan has been living in Kitchener since 2016. She moved here suddenly after escaping horrific abuse. For a […]

You Were There for Oumar!

Posted on: April 5th, 2024

Do you remember that feeling of not fitting in? Of not belonging? That’s what it was like for Oumar and his family, as newcomers to Canada. They arrived from Iraq in 2003, just days before the American invasion. They had to leave everything behind and start over. While Oumar was just a baby when he […]

“This Place Saved My Life”

Posted on: February 12th, 2024

Brent was no stranger to addiction. At 61, he had already enjoyed 26 years of sobriety as a recovering alcoholic. But when he was diagnosed with throat cancer and prescribed narcotics, Brent didn’t realize how dangerous that was. “I knew nothing about painkillers,” said Brent. “I had no idea.” Initially, the pills did what they […]