Answering a Calling - Anjali Mishra’s Story
For Anjali Mishra, volunteering with Matthew House as a Refugee Services Host was to answer a calling. “I have felt very called to this type of work, where we live with the people that we care about. I have felt so blessed to be able to form some incredible relationships with so many amazing people. I have learned so much from it.”
As she wrapped up her time with Matthew House last summer, Anjali was keen to connect. After a year of volunteering with our team as a host, she wanted to share her experience with others who want to give back, but may be hesitant about taking on the responsibilities of the role. In particular, she wanted to demystify the notion that someone has to be special, or exceptional, to take it on. In her words, “it puts this way of life on a pedestal,” Anjali said, “and I want to challenge that.”
Often, the framing of supporting our vulnerable neighbours, and particularly with refugee claimants, focuses on the benefits they gain. In Anjali’s experience, “I have gained so much more, truly so much more, from the opportunity. In living together, we experience a form of mutual transformation.” The most transformative part of Anjali’s experience has been learning just how powerful even the most simple acts of kindness can be.
“So many big solutions need to happen to support refugee claimants. But some of what needs to happen is just friendship, and drawn out dinners where the food is all gone but you're just sitting there, chatting, or laughing, or dancing in the living room. Friendship itself can be part of how we care for newcomers as well.”
This approach is what makes Matthew House stand out from the hosts of other social services refugee claimants are typically referred to. Anjali explains how “there’s all these hoops you need to jump through to get your different papers, your Social Insurance Number, your brown paper, your refugee claim,” a process that, often, indirectly, reinforces the notion of refugee claimants being outsiders who have to, in her words, “prove somehow that [they’re] worthy to be here.”
At Matthew House, a host’s role focuses on the human experience instead, providing an environment that allows refugee claimants to get the support they need to settle themselves, flourish, and give back to the community. They create a space that provides hope, dignity, and community. “I'm so compelled by this mission,” said Anjali, “and the model of how we show care to those who experienced displacement.”
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Just like Anjali, 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 ext 2512 and spread the word among your networks as well.
Since 2010, Matthew House Ottawa has welcomed hundreds of refugee claimants, and provided quality used furniture to families in need. This work wouldn’t be possible without you.