
About Us
Matthew House Refugee Ministry of Fort Erie is a faith‑motivated, community‑supported organization dedicated to welcoming and supporting refugee claimants and individuals in crisis. Since our founding, we have provided safe shelter, compassionate care, and practical assistance to people seeking protection and stability. Rooted in Christian love, we walk alongside newcomers as they rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
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.
What we do
Established with the core mission of providing safety, guidance, and hope to individuals seeking refuge, Matthew House has built a strong reputation for compassionate, evidence-informed care. We support refugee claimants, newcomers, and individuals navigating the complexities of resettlement through a comprehensive, person-centred approach that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.
Recognizing that the refugee experience extends far beyond displacement, Matthew House focuses on the underlying factors that impact successful integration—such as trauma, cultural adjustment, language barriers, employment challenges, and access to healthcare. Our Supported Refugee Housing Program provides safe, temporary accommodation for individuals and families as they work towards achieving stability and independence in Canada. For residents with higher needs, we provide extended stays and intensive case management to address complex and intersecting challenges.
Our dedicated case managers collaborate closely with each resident to assess needs, set attainable goals, and develop individualized settlement plans. These plans often include connections to community-based services such as language training, trauma-informed counselling, immigration and legal supports, education, and employment programs. Through strong partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organizations, we ensure residents receive coordinated and holistic care throughout their resettlement journey.
Matthew House prioritizes the safety, dignity, and well-being of all residents and staff. Our team is trained in trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and crisis response. We maintain robust safety protocols, including regular wellness check-ins, incident reporting, and the creation of a secure and welcoming living environment.
In addition to housing and case management, we provide skills development and employment support to foster long-term independence. Residents have access to workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement, as well as life skills training in areas such as financial literacy, cooking, communication, and time management—essential skills for building a successful life in Canada.
Matthew House is deeply committed to collaboration and community integration. By working in partnership with settlement agencies, language programs, healthcare providers, social services, and employers, we ensure a seamless continuum of care that supports refugees as they rebuild their lives. Our team closely monitors residents’ progress to promote stability and provide timely support during periods of transition or uncertainty.
Through this integrated, wraparound model, Matthew House not only provides immediate safety and support to newly arrived refugees but also empowers individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity, achieve independence, and thrive in their new communities. Our ongoing collaboration with local and regional partners ensures our programs remain responsive, adaptive, and aligned with the evolving needs of refugees in Canada.
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
Our Mission
“Motivated by the love of Christ, Matthew House serves suffering and displaced people.”
At Matthew House Refugee Ministry of Fort Erie, we extend practical care, hospitality, and hope to those forced to flee their homes. Our mission is grounded in compassion, justice, and the inherent dignity of every person.
Our Vision
We envision a community where refugee claimants, broken families, and individuals experiencing homelessness are supported through:
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Emergency and transitional housing
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Practical assistance and basic needs
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Sound counsel and emotional support
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A continuum of care leading to independence
Ultimately, our vision is to help create a safer, stronger, and more hopeful world—one shaped by compassion and community.
Our Values
Community & Belonging
We work to build a healthy, nurturing community that fosters belonging. Our goal is to create a family-like atmosphere for everyone who becomes part of Matthew House.
Dignity & Respect
We honour the worth of every man, woman, and child who arrives at our door—regardless of race, religion, sexuality, or political affiliation. Everyone is welcomed with respect and treated with care.
Compassion & Service
We are driven by empathy, kindness, and a commitment to serving people who are suffering or displaced.
Hope & Empowerment
We strive to meet immediate needs while empowering people to rebuild their lives with confidence, resilience, and hope.
The Team


JOHN Mtshede
Executive Director
Office Administrator
BUSIE Mtshede
BUSIE Mtshede
Office Administrator
JOHN Mtshede
Executive Director

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

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