Ottawa resident, Angela Success, is a shining example of how resilience and compassion can lead a new Canadian on the path to success and community leadership. Arriving in Canada from Nigeria in 2018 with little more than a suitcase and her laptop, Angela faced the daunting challenges that many newcomers experience: isolation, uncertainty and the need to navigate a complex new environment. Her story, however, is one of transformation, thanks largely to the support she received from Matthew House: a non-profit organization in Ottawa dedicated to providing shelter, essential services and a supportive start to refugees.
Matthew House offers much more than just a place to stay; they welcome newcomers into a supportive, family-home environment. The organization operates multiple reception and transitional homes and is funded in part through the City’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. Their mission is to help refugees navigate the many challenges of starting over in a new country and to equip them with the resources and skills they need to make meaningful contributions to their new community.
“When I arrived in Ottawa, I didn’t have any place to stay and I was under a lot of stress,” Angela recalls. “I arrived late in the day, and the staff at an agency that attends to newcomers and immigrants did not know where to send me. After making several calls, they called Matthew House, and even though they were about to close, they welcomed me with open arms.”
This warm reception was just the beginning of Angela’s journey with Matthew House. The organization provided her with a safe place to stay, helped her secure medical care, and assisted in navigating the various systems she needed to get settled into Canadian life. Angela vividly recalls how Matthew House volunteers ensured she had food, clothing and other essentials, and helped her build a life in Canada. One important part of this was teaching the basics of life in Canada that were different from her country of origin – things like waste disposal and public transportation.
Angela’s experience at Matthew House was so transformative that she was inspired to give back to the organization that had supported her during her time of need. Today, in addition to her work as a childcare facilitator with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, she sits on the Board of Directors at Matthew House and volunteers with several organizations, including her local church and Ottawa Community Housing. “I am who I am today partly because of the support I got from Matthew House,” Angela says. “Ottawa has been good to me, and I want to give back by helping others.”
Sarah Nakato, the current house manager at one of Matthew House’s reception homes, sees Angela’s story as emblematic of the organization’s broader mission. “Our goal is to help newly arrived refugee claimants settle and integrate into the community as they navigate the immigration process and later become productive residents of Ottawa,” Sarah explains. “We provide them with the essentials — food, shelter and clothing — connect them to community resources and offer them basic lessons on how to live in Canada. It’s about more than just finding a place to stay; it’s about finding belonging in the community.”
Sarah’s passion for her work is evident in the care she takes with each new arrival. “When someone comes to Matthew House, they are often exhausted and stressed. The first thing we do is let them rest. Then, we make sure they have a good meal and begin helping with the settlement processes they need to go through,” she says. Sarah, who was once a refugee claimant herself, uses her own experience to guide her residents. “It’s about serving with compassion, respect and empathy,” she adds. “When you’ve been in their shoes, you can connect with them on a deeper level and provide solutions that best fit their needs.”
Matthew House’s impact extends beyond the individuals they directly support. Katie Sanders, a program coordinator with the City’s Housing and Homelessness Services, explained how organizations like Matthew House play a crucial role in addressing pressures on the housing sector and shelter systems. “The community non-profits we fund are key partners in our strategy to support newcomers and prevent homelessness in Ottawa,” Katie explained.
In the past year, the Ottawa shelter system has seen 25 per cent more newcomers looking for a place to stay, and the City has increased support in this area by funding Matthew House and other similar organizations. The aim is to help divert newcomers from emergency shelters. “New arrivals are just looking for an opportunity for themselves and their families to be safe and to thrive, so the more places we have that provide great service, specifically for newcomers, the better it is for everybody.”
The City’s support has allowed Matthew House to expand its services significantly in recent years. In 2023 alone, the organization provided 219 refugee claimants with shelter and essential support, and opened nine new transitional homes, bringing their total capacity to 16 homes and more than 120 beds. This expansion has been critical in helping more newcomers find their footing in a challenging housing market.
As the needs of newcomers continue to evolve, Matthew House remains a vital part of Ottawa’s social fabric, helping people like Angela to not only survive but thrive. Angela’s journey from a newly arrived refugee to a community leader is a testament to the power of support, compassion and the will to give back. “I want to make sure all the new residents at Matthew House have a good experience, just like I did,” Angela says. “Because when you help someone find their place in the community, you’re not just changing their life—you’re enriching the whole community. You’re welcoming a new neighbour.”
Learn more about Matthew House’s most-needed donation items and volunteer opportunities.
Did you know that the City is creating new housing options for Ottawa residents? In 2023 alone:
- 610 new housing benefits were provided for low-income households
- 106 new affordable and supportive housing units were completed, with 831 new units currently under construction
- 1,186 households were housed from the Centralized Wait List
For more information check out the 2023 Progress Report on the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan.
