From a Folding Chair to a Full Home: Williams' Story
“Every opportunity I have to speak about non-profits that really transform the lives of immigrants, I mention Matthew House.”
– Williams
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We love sharing the stories of the amazing people connected to Matthew House Ottawa. Enjoy!
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When Williams’ family arrived in Ottawa, the only furniture in their apartment was a single folding chair.
“The immigration process was both grueling and expensive,” recalls Williams. “But we knew this was the right move for our family – and especially for our two young children.” He and his wife are proud parents to a 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter.
After moving to Canada from Nigeria in July of 2021, Williams’ family found housing but didn’t have the means to furnish their apartment. He was told by friends and community agencies alike that he should connect with Matthew House Ottawa. An MHO referring partner booked him an appointment with the Furniture Bank.
“I was able to go in person to pick out my own furniture and the volunteers were so lovely,” says Williams. “They helped me make good choices for my family size, and even made recommendations for things I hadn’t thought about. They were incredibly welcoming and patient.”
Williams left the Furniture Bank with everything his family needed to turn their empty apartment into a home: bed frames, a couch, kitchen utensils, lamps, and more. “When we got the furniture, it was just like boom: a full house,” he laughs.
Not only did their Matthew House experience help their family live more comfortably, but it set Williams and his wife up for their careers here in Canada. With office furniture secured from the Furniture Bank, both are now working from home in their roles with Ottawa non-profits.
“The difference is mind-blowing,” says Williams. “We wouldn’t have been able to furnish our house before getting jobs, but how can you get a job when you don’t have a proper set-up to work?”
Today, Williams is quick to tell newcomers and long-time Canadians alike about the Furniture Bank. “Every opportunity I have to speak about non-profits that really transform the lives of immigrants, I mention Matthew House,” he says. “It’s important people know they can contribute time, money, knowledge… It all helps.”
Having experienced the difficult of starting over from almost nothing, Williams understands what an important difference that initial support can make.
“I’m really grateful to Matthew House for answering the call to help new immigrants and other people who are in need,” he says. “The work they are doing is touching lives, more than anyone can even imagine.”
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Here’s how you can open more doors for newcomers like Williams by supporting Matthew House Ottawa:
Donations: you can give online here or cheques can be mailed to 380 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa ON K2G 6A1.
Volunteer with us: We currently need volunteers to support our furniture bank and refugee services programs. Click here for more info and to apply.
Refugee Services: Do you have an extra room in your house? Or a home to rent? If so, please complete this form, and we will follow up to discuss how we might partner together to welcome and support refugees. We have some big plans and you can help!
Furniture Bank: If you have gently-used furniture to share 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 7000 families in need. Thank you for helping to make this important work possible!
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Matthew House Ottawa values the wishes of those we serve in sharing their stories. We have therefore used stock photography in this story to maintain client confidentiality.