OUR VISION:
A Welcome Home for refugees on the road to a new,prosperous life.
OUR MISSION
Fueled by God’s love, we inspire hope, uphold dignity, champion independence and build resilient communities for refugees.
OUR VALUES:
W.E.L.C.O.M.E
W: Worth and dignity We respect, protect and value the dignity of each person in our community and affirm their potential.
E: Excellence: We pursue excellence in all aspects of our service. We continually develop our skills and knowledge.
L: Love: We believe the path to hope begins with love. We cover our guests with care, consideration and compassion.
C: Community: Friendships are built through communal living. Experiencing life together is how we create a sense of belonging.
O: Open Door: We are a safe space for all refugees regardless race, religion, ethnic or national origin, political opinion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We welcome and affirm all who arrive on our doorstep.
M: Matthew 25:35: Our core motivation to serve is captured in Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me…”
E: Encouragement and Hope: We ensure that our residents are not alone, and that their hope for a new future is now a shared one.
FOUNDING STORY
Matthew House grew out of the vision of its founding director, Anne Woolger, who had a chance encounter with a refugee over 30 years ago. His heart-wrenching story of escaping persecution ended with his account of feeling painfully unwelcome upon arrival in Canada. His story so deeply moved her that she decided to begin volunteering with refugees to help them feel welcome.
She subsequently began work at a city-run homeless shelter in Toronto where her eyes were opened to the plight of refugee claimants seeking asylum in Canada. Recognizing the great shortage of caring shelters geared towards their unique settlement needs, Anne approached her denominational leaders and shared her vision of establishing a Christian-based reception home to provide a warm welcome for refugee claimants.
Matthew House is a faith-based organization that is inspired and motivated by the life and teachings of Jesus. We believe all people are worthy of dignity, honour, and respect. We serve people of all faiths and advocate for the well-being of each individual.
OUR Leadership TEAM
Executive Director
Jacky Tuinstra Harrison
Jacky@matthewhouse.ca
Board Chair
steve shepherd
Founding Director
ANNE WOOLGER
Anne@matthewhouse.ca