Our Mission:

To inspire hope, restore dignity, and empower independence for refugee claimants. 

Who we are: 

Matthew House, based in Toronto, is a nationally recognized leader in welcoming, assisting and resettling newly arrived refugee claimants who would otherwise be homeless. In addition to our main reception house, we have three transition homes where particularly vulnerable residents, such as unaccompanied teens or single mothers, may stay and receive longer-term support. 

Since opening in 1998, Matthew House has assisted over 2,000 refugee claimants from 100 nations. We welcome all refugees regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation or political opinion and strive to make Matthew House a place where the dignity and hope of refugees are restored.

What We Do:

Welcome to Canada Program - providing emotional and physical support to help residents heal from their journey and establish new lives in Canada. To ease the transition, we offer an orientation to Toronto with things like opening a bank account and enrolling in school.

Shelter and Basic Needs - restore refugees’ dignity by providing shelter and support in a welcoming, home-like setting. Many refugees arrive with little more than a small bag and need practical support. We ensure that their individual needs  are met and empower refugees to restart their lives in Canada. 

Refugee Hearing Preparation Program - a leading-edge program to assist refugee claimants with preparation for their refugee hearing. This program mirrors the actual process that a refugee will undergo at the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). The program has met with great success, resulting in positive decisions in roughly 90% of cases, well over the national average of just under 60%, over a three-year period.

Child and Youth Services - housing geared for refugee youth, with live-in house parents, to provide long-term support. We aim to support and mentor youth through the entire settlement journey and set them up to live successfully on their own.

Visit our website for more information.