Stories That Inspire
“Reception House didn’t just place us in a building. They helped me reclaim my humanity.
They are the bridge between trauma and healing. The hand that welcomes. The light that guides.
Your donation helps them:
• Offer safe shelter, orientation, and healthcare navigation
• Support traumatized newcomers through their first days in Canada
• Rebuild lives from the ashes of war, exile, and statelessness
Please consider supporting Reception House. Because when you give to them, you are saying to people like me: “You are not forgotten. You are welcome. You matter.”
From the bottom of my heart, thank you Canada and Canadians — thank you IRCC and Reception House — for giving me back my name, my identity, and my future.” – Muhibullah
“I still remember arriving in Canada as a little girl, holding my family’s hands and stepping into a new world.
At Reception House Waterloo Region, we were given more than a temporary accommodation. I was given toys – A little piano that made me smile. And most importantly we were welcomed with kindness.
It was our very first home in Canada. A place where fear slowly turned into hope. A place where strangers became the first friendly faces of our new beginning. Some people may see it as just a building. For us, it was safety. I was dignity. It was the start of our story.” – Zohra
“As a classroom and MLL (ESL) teacher, I’ve had the privilege of working with many families who began their journey in Canada through Reception House Waterloo Region. I have seen firsthand the real and lasting impact of safe, stable housing and strong settlement support.
One of my closest colleagues — an Educational Assistant, Child and Youth Worker, and dedicated community volunteer — was once a Reception House resident himself. Every day, he is a living example of the powerful return on investment that comes from giving refugee families stability, dignity, and opportunity. ” – Kimiko
Welcome to all newcomers! Waterloo Region is a great place to make a new home! Thanks to the staff for all the work you are doing to help refugees settle and thrive in our region. -MM
Thank you to Reception House for the work that you do! -LS
Thank you for continuing to support refugees in our region! -RB
This gift is to honour an outstanding team who together welcome so many newcomers and support them as they build their new beginnings. -KM
Thank you for helping the families that need it most in this region! -CG
Your resilience in the face of adversity inspires us all. You bring hope and strength to our community, and we stand with you in solidarity and support on your journey to rebuild here in Waterloo Region. –CH