MATTHEW HOUSE OTTAWA
What we do When refugees arrive in Ottawa after fleeing persecution in their countries of origin, they often come with little but the clothes on their back. Matthew House Ottawa gives refugee claimants safety, hope and the resources to start over in the wake of unspeakable adversity. We offer temporary housing, food and settlement support during
380 Centrepointe Dr. Ottawa, Ont. K2G 6A1 matthewhouseottawa.org info@matthewhouseottawa.org Year founded: 2010 Total revenue for last fiscal year: $393,082 Twitter: @MHOttawa Facebook: /MHOttawa
TOP FUNDING SOURCES INDIVIDUALS: 30% CORPORATE: 4% GOVERNMENT: 2% OTHER CHARITIES: 4% OTHER SOURCES: 60%
How you can help GIVE
Allan Reesor-McDowell Executive director
Steven Kuhn Board chair
refugees' first few difficult months in Canada. We also provide donated furniture to newcomers and low-income residents setting up a home for the first time. By picking up furniture that would otherwise be discarded and redistributing it to those in need, we promote sustainability while helping vulnerable individuals start a new life.
The impact of donor support on Matthew House Ottawa services is very concrete: you help feed and house refugees, furnish the apartments of newcomers and low-income individuals, and provide settlement support for those who arrived in Canada in search of safety and a better life. With partnerships allowing us to rent both housing and furniture bank space at a minimal cost, donor dollars help purchase groceries to feed Matthew House residents, offer support in navigating the refugee claimant process and fund gas for the truck that transports furniture throughout Ottawa. Your generosity makes a significant difference in the lives of refugees.
Funding priorities As an increasing number of refugee claimants come to Canada, Matthew House Ottawa is dedicated to meeting the urgent need for safe housing and supports within our community. Our programming has two areas of focus: a physical house, which provides a safe home for vulnerable newcomers, and our furniture bank, which provides everything needed – from mattresses to tables and even kitchenware – to furnish the homes of low-income families. With donor support, we hope to open a second location to expand housing and supports for more refugee claimants. We are also in need of a three-tonne truck to transport furniture to people who would not otherwise have the essentials.
VOLUNTEER
BOARD MEMBERS Steven Kuhn Chair Laura Kuhn Treasurer Hannah Marazzi Secretary Meredith Ward Aaron Webber Helen Reimer Ian McLaren
Matthew House operates on a shoestring budget with only three full-time staff, meaning our programming relies heavily on the commitment of dedicated volunteers. A variety of volunteer opportunities can be found online at matthewhouseottawa.org/volunteer. We are particularly in need of cooks to prepare dinner once a week between Monday and Thursday, and warehouse assistants to help lift heavy furniture at our Furniture Bank location in Kanata. Matthew House also welcomes individuals to provide support in finding housing, refugee settlement and translation. Giving a few volunteer hours each week can make a lifetime impact on a refugee starting anew.
FUNDRAISING PRIORITIES GEOGRAPHIC REGION OF FOCUS
• A three-tonne truck to help pick up furniture from Ottawa residents and deliver to refugees and lowincome individuals starting their home.
Ottawa • Donations to help fund the acquisition of a second house to expand accommodation and support for refugees. • Household furniture in good condition.
PROGRAMMING AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH Matthew House Ottawa participates in the non-competitive cycling event Ride for Refuge that supports charities that provide refuge and hope for displaced, vulnerable and exploited people everywhere. The event takes place each year in early October.
Ottawa Business Journal obj.ca GIVING GUIDE 2019
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