With A Little Help From Friends, Mike Turns Food Into Community

At this time of year, families come together across our community to share food and fellowship, and to celebrate faith and cultural traditions.

The same is true of House of Friendship (HOF), where food goes hand-in-hand with fellowship. Throughout our programs, we are often reminded of the story of Stone Soup, in which by working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good is achieved.

This past Winter, Mike (seen left) came to the Charles Street Men’s Hostel looking for a place to stay. He shared with staff how he enjoyed cooking. With staff's encouragement, Mike arranged to use the Eby Village kitchen, where he whipped up a batch of soup. It was delicious!

Then with the help of Brandon (seen below in the red t-shirt), HOF’s Shelter to Housing Support case worker, Mike shared his soup with some men who had previously left the Hostel to transition to stable housing, thereby paying forward the gifts of food and community. But he wasn't finished...

In February, he made another batch of soup for HOF’s Community Potato Lunch Soup Idol. This was a great opportunity to not only share his soup, but to also demonstrate how everyone has the potential to participate and contribute to our community, no matter where they call 'home'. Thank you Mike, and congratulations for helping build community!

Welcome to House of Friendship

Founded in 1939, House of Friendship envisions a community where all can belong and thrive. To fulfill this vision, we strengthen people and communities by being there when needed, speaking up and working together. This is a mission that we share with many local member churches, faith groups, partner agencies, businesses, groups, and individuals. The Annual Report, 2011-2012 is an opportunity to report to you on the work of the past year, and to acknowledge the impact of community contributions. In addition, HOF's 2011-2012 Annual Stewardship Report shares personal stories from the past year.

Each year, we serve over 42,000 people, living on low income in Waterloo Region, through four program areas that focus on:

• Supporting Healthy Lives (Addiction Services)
• Assisting and Feeding Those In Need (Community Services)
• Building Strong Families and Strong Communities (Family Services)
• Providing Shelter and Supportive Housing (Residential services)

With your support, people are able to survive and get back on their feet by receiving emergency food and shelter. And, they are able to benefit from opportunities to lead healthier lives and to grow, connect and develop in their communities. Together, we offer help and hope.

You can securely donate to House of Friendship electronically through Canada Helps (click on "Help Now" above) or send your donation to us at the address below. House of Friendship is a registered charity (#10749-3892-RR0001) and will gladly issue a charitable income tax receipt for your donation along with our appreciation. Click on the You Can Help tab or contact us at 519-742-8327 to find out more ways you can get involved and extend the hand of friendship to our neighbours in need.

Looking for a particular staff or program? For a listing of Leadership Team staff contact information click on the Contact Us tab above, and use the Programs tab for specific program information. Download our agency brochure and full listing of programs. Thank you for taking the time to visit. We look forward to hearing from you!

John Neufeld, Executive Director