Refugee Shelter

Matthew House grew out of the vision of its founder and current director, Anne Woolger, who had worked for many years at a city-run shelter for refugees in Toronto. There her eyes were opened to the plight of refugee claimants who were arriving in Canada seeking asylum as refugees but had no place to stay. Recognizing the need for caring shelters geared specifically toward the unique settlement needs of refugee claimants, Anne approached her denominational leaders and shared her vision of establishing a Christian-based reception home that would provide a warm welcome for refugee claimants in a caring home-like setting.In 1992, a Board of Directors was formed and Matthew House was incorporated as a non-profit charity. Four years later in October 1996, Anne, appointed as the first director, was mandated to find and establish a permanent home for the refugee ministry. Since opening in 1998, over 1,000 refugees from 84 different nations have been warmly welcomed by caring volunteers and staff who provide the residents help with all their settlement needs, including dealing with confusing paper work, orientation to Canada, connection with social services and finding and furnishing apartments with donated furniture.