Starting Over with Something: Emilia’s Story
“Starting over with nothing, I was expecting it would take ages to furnish my apartment…”
– Emilia
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We love sharing the stories of the amazing people connected to Matthew House Ottawa. Enjoy!
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After living in a youth shelter for seven months, Emilia learned she would be moving into an apartment of her own.
“I had nothing, I was really starting over,” she explains.
A worker connected her with Matthew House Ottawa’s Furniture Bank, where she arrived for an appointment unsure what to expect.
“I thought it would be a cold warehouse environment,” Emilia remembers. “I was surprised by just how cozy it was. There was a lot of genuinely nice furniture to look at.”
She recalls the friendliness of the workers, and the support they offered in reminding her of things she might not have considered as she chose the items that would make her empty apartment into a home.
“It’s overwhelming just looking at the big stuff, so it was really helpful to have them to point out things like food storage containers or bedding that I might otherwise have forgotten. I left with both a microwave and a TV, neither of which I was expecting but both of which have had a big impact on my quality of life.”
All Emilia really had in her apartment prior to her Furniture Bank visit was a bed. When she left, she had essentials like a dresser in which to store her clothes and a desk at which to do schoolwork.
“It’s amazing,” Emilia shares gratefully. “Starting over with nothing, I was expecting it would take ages to furnish my apartment… That I’d be getting a single piece every few months. Instead, now I have what I need.”
As she continues settling into her apartment, Emilia is excited to add some plants and make it feel even more like home. She’s thinking about what she wants to study in post-secondary, and hopes to find a job soon to help her get back on her feet.
When asked if she has anything else she wants to share with Matthew House supporters, Emilia is reflective.
“People end up homeless for all kinds of reasons, but a fully furnished place gives a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic environment… Allowing people who have been through the worst to feel like they have not simply a house, but a HOME? There’s nothing better than that.”
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Matthew House Ottawa supporters open doors to opportunity for people like Emilia. Here’s how you can help:
• Donate: you can make a donation online or cheques can be mailed to 380 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa ON K2G 6A1.
• Volunteer: We currently need volunteers to support our furniture bank and refugee services programs. Click here for more info and to apply.
• Donate Furniture: 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!