Loving Others More: Rebecca's Story
“We are serving people who are going through the hardest thing they’ll ever go through.”
– Rebecca (Bex) Brandt
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We love sharing the stories of the amazing people connected to Matthew House Ottawa. Enjoy!
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When Rebecca (Bex) moved to Ottawa in 2019, she wasn’t expecting a pandemic.
The 30-year-old is used to moving around: she was born in Germany, traveled to Oxford to work with Syrian refugees, and lived in Kansas before eventually coming to Canada. Her desire to help others is what inspired her move.
Bex connected with Matthew House Ottawa through her church, and was introduced to David – the Furniture Bank’s Program Director – by a colleague. He told her that Matthew House really needed volunteers, and Bex was eager to get involved. She started off at the first refugee house before moving over to support the Furniture Bank’s operations.
“I’m one of the first faces clients see when they walk through the door,” Bex explains. “We meet, I get to know a bit about them, and I focus on making them feel really welcome… And keeping any kids from getting into too much trouble!”
Bex’s volunteer role changed when the initial COVID-19 pandemic lockdown temporarily closed the Furniture Bank to the public. Instead of clients coming to “shop” for their own furniture, Bex and the rest of the MHO team would work together to select items based on identified needs.
“People were stuck at home with no furniture, and it’s such a necessary thing,” Bex recalls. “It’s really helpful when they’re able to come in themselves… It’s harder when you can’t meet a client face-to-face to figure out what they want and where they’re at.”
Thankfully, the Furniture Bank soon reopened for clients to come in person and choose the furniture they need. Bex emphasizes the importance of ensuring people have everything they need to make a home – not just larger items of furniture, but also smaller items like bedding and utensils.
“What has really stood out to me is what a vulnerable place people are in,” she reflects. “We are serving people who are going through the hardest thing they’ll ever go through. We’ve been able to see how much it means to people when we can love on them and give them that warm welcome.”
When asked what has kept her involved with Matthew House for more than three years, Bex points to the importance of serving her neighbours – referencing a piece of scripture close to her heart: “Whatever you do to the least of these, you do it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
“A neighbour can be anyone you come across, and you have to love others more than you love yourself,” says Bex. “Giving to Matthew House Ottawa and supporting that ministry is such a tangible way you can help your neighbour. Even if you can’t see their faces, you know you’re making a huge impact in someone’s life.”
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Just like Bex, you can help your neighbours by supporting Matthew House Ottawa. Here’s how you can open more doors for people in need:
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!