This year, like others in the past, we welcomed hundreds of refugees who fled their homes with hope in their hearts – the hope of safety, the hope of family, the hope of community, and the hope of finding a place where they belong.
As we shift out of the pandemic and into our new world, we have been reflecting on what that new world looks and feels like. We want to create a world where safety, belonging and inclusivity are our normal. How do you want our community to look?
Creating a community of belonging, inclusivity and safety is possible with your help. During this holiday season as Diwali diyas, Advent candles, Menorahs, and Kwanzaa candles shine messages of peace, joy, and unity across our community, help create a beacon of hope to hundreds fleeing from violence and oppression and looking for peace and purpose. Your gift to Reception House will Shine A Light this holiday season.
How You can Help Refugees Settle in Waterloo Region
Yes, we have been welcoming our newest neighbours even during the pandemic. We are greatly appreciative to those who have reached out to us via telephone, email and social media. While we hope that we haven’t missed any offers of support, here are different ways you can help Reception House as we continue to welcome refugees in Waterloo Region.
Success! Winter Clothing Drive – Nov 5 -19
Donation of in-kind items
If you’d like to donate in-kind items like household items, we ask that you re-direct these items to Thrift on Kent or ReStore Habitat For Humanity Waterloo Region. We simply don’t have the space and resources for your kind generosity.
Volunteer with Reception House
If you would like to volunteer, please complete our volunteer form below and we will be in touch. When you apply to volunteer, please add any information we should know to the last section.
Financial Donations
If you’re able to, a financial donation will help us provide support to newcomers, such as mobility aids, medical care that is not covered by OHIP and dental work.
Are you a landlord?
If you are a landlord and can assist us, please visit Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership and complete the form on Step 2.
Are you a Family Doctor?
If you’re a family doctor, please visit Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership portal and complete the form on Step 3.
We’ve released our Community Impact Report for 2021
We’ve released our annual Community Impact Report which highlights our organization’s impact during April 2020 to March 2021.
The year April 2020 to March 2021 marked the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As was the case all over our world, Reception House was forced to adapt and innovate as the year progressed. Through it all, we continued to be the region’s most comprehensive refugee serving agency serving the most vulnerable group of newcomers – government assisted refugees (GARs).
Reception House Waterloo Region is a community-based organization that provides a warm welcome to government-assisted refugees.
Our programs and services assist refugees throughout their settlement & integration process, enabling them to lead healthy and productive lives in their new community.
We start by providing the basics: temporary residence, orientations to life in Canada and down the line, we empower those we serve to find meaningful employment, improve their language skills and heal from trauma and loss.
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Latest News
Shine a Light
This year, like others in the past, we welcomed hundreds of refugees who fled their homes with hope in their hearts – the hope of safety, the hope of family, the hope of community, and the hope of finding a place where they belong. As we shift out of the pandemic and...
We’ve released our Community Impact Report for 2021
We've released our annual Community Impact Report which highlights our organization's impact during April 2020 to March 2021.The year April 2020 to March 2021 marked the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic.As was the case all over our world,Reception House was forced to...
Virtual offices closed on National Truth and Reconciliation Day – Sept 30
Our virtual offices are closed today as we take this opportunity to educate ourselves on how we recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools in Indigenous communities. We urge you to read the 94 Calls to Action, located...