“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” – Matthew 25:35

Dear Friend,

Thank you for giving so generously to The Ottawa Mission this Christmas season.

Each and every day, people come through our blue doors on Waller Street in search of help and hope. Robert is just one of the many people who arrive at those doors every day.

Robert’s addiction began when he was only 12 years old. He was homeless for much of his life, though he wasn’t necessarily “on the street.” Instead, he explains that he would couch surf, sleep in cars and occasionally stay in motels. Through it all, he usually managed to keep a job, which was a great accomplishment given his situation.

A few years ago, Robert decided to seek help for his addiction. He completed our LifeHouse residential treatment program and then spent just over a year in one of our Second Stage houses. During this time, he worked with staff to navigate the paperwork and bureaucracy of finding an apartment, and he was thrilled to get his new keys. “I’ve found my home, and now I finally have hope for the future,” he says.

It is because of your kind donations that Robert and so many others get to experience the joy of new possibilities. May God bless you for your Christmas gift of hope.

With sincere appreciation,

Peter Tilley
CEO, The Ottawa Mission