finding home

Since opening our doors in 1998, Matthew House has welcomed over 1,500 refugee
claimants from 100 different nations. Each of our residents have unique stories
about their journey and arrival in Canada.

Full Circle - A Journey of Resettlement and Career Fulfillment

Bruk’s Story

Bruk is the Welcome Team Manager at Matthew House Toronto

In 2017, as a new immigrant to Canada, I found myself sitting in a classroom at COSTI, attending an Employment Essentials training program designed to help newcomers find employment and transition off Ontario Works. It was a moment filled with uncertainty, but also with hope. One of our assignments was to write down our career goals—where we saw ourselves in the future and the steps we planned to take to get there.

I remember carefully dividing my goals into three categories: survival jobs, short-term career goals, and long-term career aspirations. On that piece of paper, under survival jobs, I wrote Customer Service Agent and Receptionist. These were roles I saw as stepping stones to stability. My short-term goals included ESL Teacher, Interpreter, and Digital Data Analytics careers that required short courses, many of which Ontario Works could help cover. And finally, under long-term goals, I wrote Social Workerand Immigrant and Refugee Settlement Worker, professions that, at the time, felt like distant dreams but were deeply tied to my passion for helping newcomers like myself.

I folded the paper and tucked it away, moving forward with the immediate challenges of settlement and employment. Life took its course, and I focused on making progress, step by step.

Now, seven years later, as a Settlement Worker at Matthew House, I found myself revisiting my own journey in an effort to guide the refugee claimants I work with every day. In searching for ways to help them set meaningful goals, I came across that very piece of paper—my rough draft of dreams written all those years ago. Reading through it, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me.

The survival jobs I once considered necessary had never materialized. The short-term career paths I had planned as stepping stones were never needed. Somehow, I had leapt straight to my long-term dream, working as a social worker, helping refugees and newcomers on their own settlement journey, just as I once had.

Tears welled in my eyes as I realized the power of writing down goals. Even when I wasn’t consciously following that list, my mind and heart had been working toward it all along. That small exercise at COSTI, meant to help me map out my future, had quietly shaped my path in ways I never imagined.

Now, as I guide my residents through their own settlement challenges, I share my story with them, not just to inspire, but to remind them that clarity, intention, and persistence can turn dreams into reality. Seven years ago, I was in their shoes, unsure of what the future held. Today, I stand on the other side, proof that with the right support, determination, and belief in oneself, transformation is possible.

MUSTAFA'S STORY

A few years ago, Mustafa arrived in Toronto from Afghanistan. Welcomed by Matthew House, his first impression was that it felt like home, “Matthew House is a place full of good people,” said Mustafa, “it’s a shoulder to rest your head, support when you have no one, and a school for guidance.” At Matthew House, he found a community that transformed his life. “I met some friends from Matthew House who changed my heart and blessed me with good habits of helping others, volunteering, and bringing smiles to others." Today, Mustafa has a great job in his field through the support of the Matthew House community, and he regularly volunteered for over two years at the Dundas home. His wife and young child have been able to join him in Canada and are doing well.

SARA'S STORY

Sara came to Canada from Oromia, Ethiopia in 2015 so her daughter, Nayomi, could receive life-saving surgery at SickKids Hospital. After almost a year in the hospital Nayomi fully recovered but, after leaving the hospital, Sara knew that returning to Ethiopia was unsafe for them. Sara made a refugee claim and was welcomed by Matthew House. They stayed at the Dundas home for several months, and then transitioned to the Greensides home. "Matthew House has taught me how to use the money, how to survive winter, how to speak English, how to manage my house, how to cook, and the history of Canada. They check in and see if we're having any problems, and I've even had a piano lesson” said Sara. Today, both are thriving. For the first time, Nayomi can get an education at school. Sara is also in school and is very hopeful for the future. “When I get the chance to start my life, I will get to do something like this for others."

Refugee Youth stories

The work of Matthew House was featured by CBC’s “The National News” program. Watch the video below!

“Refugee advocates say that over the past 20 years there's been an increase in the number of unaccompanied youths arriving in Canada. These minors face the dual challenge of adapting to their new environment while also being children missing their parents. For those alone and with nowhere to go, a Toronto shelter looks to give them the support they need.” CBC News