Stories to Share

You Can Help Save a Life Today

Posted on: November 15th, 2021

I thought I was going to die. And I think I came very close. On that bitterly cold winter night, 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 corner. Somehow, I staggered […]

Update on Shelter Program

Posted on: November 11th, 2021

House of Friendship Working with Region of Waterloo to Place All Shelter Participants by Dec. 1. Since announcing the upcoming temporary closure of its shelter program effective Nov. 30, House of Friendship has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of community care and support. “It has been encouraging to hear from so many people who have […]

Ways You Can Help

Posted on: November 5th, 2021

We have heard from so many caring people like you reacting to the news of our temporary shelter closure. Many of you are asking how you can help – thank you! Here are a few ways you can lend your support as we continue to work with our community partners as this situation evolves: Become […]

Statement: Temporary Disruption of Shelter Services

Posted on: November 5th, 2021

STATEMENT – NOV. 5, 2021 We informed our shelter staff this week that at the end of this month, House of Friendship’s Shelter will temporarily close for the first time in its 82-year history.  The closure will happen Nov. 30 because we will no longer have a location to provide our shelter services and Sheltercare.  […]

Come Walk with Me – Mark

Posted on: October 20th, 2021

Today, we continue our month-long celebration of YOU! We are so incredibly thankful for your support and your faithfulness. In this third video of our 4-part October Gratitude Video Series, we want to share with you how men experiencing homelessness are getting healthier and housed – thanks to you! Mark, an Emergency Shelter Support Worker with […]

Come Walk with Me – Fiona

Posted on: October 13th, 2021

Today, we continue our monthlong celebration of YOU! We are so incredibly thankful for your support and your faithfulness. In this second video of our 4-part October Gratitude Video Series, we want to share with you how much we appreciate you walking with those in Waterloo Region who are struggling with addiction. Fiona, Service Engagement Lead […]

A Legacy of a Generous Life

Posted on: October 8th, 2021

In the last few days of John Unruh’s life, he made sure of a few things. He spent time talking to his family, reflecting on his faith and sharing some of the wisdom he had gained over the years. John took time to comfort his family with the knowledge he was dying at peace. “John […]

Come Walk with Me – Dauda

Posted on: October 8th, 2021

Today, we want to celebrate YOU! We are so incredibly thankful for your support and your faithfulness. Today, in this first video of our 4-part October Gratitude Video Series, we want to show you how you are making a difference for families living on low income in Waterloo Region. Dauda, our Community Development Manager, is here […]

Thank You for Nourishing our Neighbourhoods!

Posted on: October 4th, 2021

Community members were asked what they need.  Their response? food and connection. Thanks to $750,000 in funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation over the last three years, the Nourishing Neighbourhoods program has worked to fill this community need for connection, using food as a tool. On Sept. 24,  we took the time to celebrate Nourishing […]

Thank You for Walking with Rick!

Posted on: September 17th, 2021

Ever since a car accident nearly 20 years ago shattered his leg bones and damaged his pelvis, Rick, who is 51, finds it hard to move about, and lives with daily pain. Unable to work, Rick has also been homeless for many years, moving from place to place, trying to survive in a world where […]