Stories to Share

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 […]

MEDIA RELEASE For the past 19 years, the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club has worked together to raise more than $4 million as part of its annual Rotary Turkey Drive, ensuring that every family can enjoy a special holiday meal through House of Friendship’s Christmas Hamper program. This year, the need is greater than ever before, with […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 – 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.  […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]