Natalie's story
“It was an amazing thing that we were given. And I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back and offer this same welcome to other newcomers through my support of Matthew House Ottawa.”
– Natalie
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Each month we share stories of amazing people connected to Matthew House Ottawa. Enjoy!
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My family came to Canada as refugees. It was just my mom and sister and I.
I am originally from Haiti. My family lived in the States for a few years, and then we came to Canada. That is where our story with Matthew House began.
I was a kid when I lived at Matthew House in Fort Erie. We were there for about a month and a half. I remember the woman who was in charge at the time taking us shopping for school clothes because school here started in September. My birthday is also in September, and everyone in the house got me a cake and a gift as well. It was this little ladybug keychain that had a watch inside. You had to press on both sides and it opened up. I still remember that time.
When I think of Matthew House, I think of the people we met there, our roommate and others we met along the way. Our roommate’s name was Stella, she was so nice. I remember going to church with everyone.
When we were going through the process of moving to Canada, Matthew House was a place filled with hope for me and my family, a happy place where people really cared about us and helped us with practical things like our refugee claim to stay here. Matthew House was hope, faith, happiness. It was a fun place as well.
Matthew House help our family get an apartment. I really loved the place that they found for us. All the furniture made it feel like home right way. Later, I moved to Ottawa for university, and I stayed to work for the government in procurement.
If you are thinking of getting involved in Matthew House, I would say that I know first-hand that it made such a difference in my life and in my family’s life. Matthew House helped us with so many things. It helped us find a home and a lawyer. More than that, Matthew House was a place where we could be supported as we were transitioning during a very uncertain time. Matthew House really helped make us feel safe, looked after, and cared for.
It was an amazing thing that we were given. And I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back and offer this same welcome to other newcomers through my support of Matthew House Ottawa.
Interview by Hannah Marazzi.
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Wanna help? Here is how you can change lives through Matthew House Ottawa:
Donations: you can give online here or cheques can be mailed to 380 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa ON K2G 6A1.
Become a monthly donor: The consistent support from our monthly donors is a HUGE help, and we would encourage you to give in this way if you are able. You can set up a monthly donation here – just click “donate monthly” tab at the top of the page.
Volunteer with us: We currently need volunteers, especially with our refugee services program.
Refugee Services: We welcome donations of grocery cards, groceries and frozen meals to help feed the refugees we have welcomed at the house, though we ask that you please contact Doreen in advance to make arrangements (dkatto@matthewhouseottawa.org).
Furniture Bank: If you have gently-used furniture you no longer need, please give us a call at 613-591-6681. And please spread the word among your networks as well.
Pray: for past, present and future residents and furniture bank clients
Since 2010, Matthew House Ottawa has welcomed hundreds of refugee claimants, and provided quality used furniture to more than 5000 families in need. We have done this as a large, dedicated team of volunteers and a small handful of employees, with a lot of passion and commitment. Thank you for helping to make this important work possible!