
"I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Matthew 25:35
Who we are
Matthew House Fort Erie was founded on the principle of hospitality and aid inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35:”I was a stranger and you Welcomed me.” We have served people from all over the world, of every ethnicity, creed, culture and age. Our staff and many of our volunteers are former Matthew House clients from diverse cultures, languages and beliefs.
We respect and protect the value and dignity of each man, woman and child who arrives at our door, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or political affiliation or opinion.
Through the services we provide, we feel we are demonstrating to the citizens of Niagara Region how important it is to embrace immigrants, refugees and homeless people of all cultural backgrounds, because they enrich society.
We value a healthy community and work to develop a family atmosphere among those living in the region. We also build bridges with individuals and organizations on behalf of those we serve, so they may experience healthy community life after staying at Matthew House.
Our staff are well trained in cross-cultural issues, so we can meet the needs of our clients while honouring their beliefs and customs.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Matthew 25:35
The Team



JOHN Mtshede
Executive Director
Office Administrator
BUSIE Mtshede
Maintenance Supervisor
OSCAR Garcia

JOHN Mtshede
Executive Director

BUSIE Mtshede
Office Administrator

Board of Directors
Mark Haines, Rev. Jim McBeth (Treasury), Esther Banali, Jim McNair (Chair) Steve LaHay (Associate) Liliana LaHay, Rev Adrien Willsonne, Rev Jeremiah Cisco, Paul Mason, Rev Gord Abraham (Secretary) Rev Gary Page and Hugo Rivera
Our Mission
“Motivated by the love of Christ, Matthew House serves suffering and displaced people”
Our Vision
To provide refugee claimants, broken families, and homeless people with
emergency and transitional housing, practical assistance, sound counsel,
and a continuum of support through transition to independence.
The ultimate vision is focused on helping make our world a better, happier place.”
Our Values
“We value a healthy community and work to develop a family atmosphere among those living at Matthew House and beyond.We respect and protect the value of each man, woman and child arriving at our door, regardless of race, religion, sexuality, or political affiliation or opinion.”