Company Profile
House of Friendship
Company Overview
House of Friendship is a Christian non-profit human service agency that serves 32,500 low-income women, men, youth and children in Waterloo Region annually through 17 programs. Program areas include addiction services, community services including food distribution, family services including community centres and residential services including both long term housing and an emergency shelter for homeless men. A complete description of our programs can be found on our website at www.houseoffriendship.org.
The mission of House of Friendship is to serve low-income adults, youth and children in need of support and to promote opportunities for personal growth, wholesome relationships and community development through the application of holistic Christian principles.
We believe each person is unique and of value.
We believe each person is a physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual being.
We believe each person is a significant member of the community and enjoys the rights and responsibilities of such membership.
We believe the community will benefit from the opinions, gifts and abilities each person can contribute.
We believe each person has the rights and responsibilities of freedom of choice.
We believe there is always hope, even in situations of adversity.
Company History
House of Friendship was founded in 1939 by local Christian churches and was originally located on King Street in downtown Kitchener. It had a reading room, a dining room and emergency food assistance. The founding director was Joseph Cramer, a Jewish Christian immigrant who came from Russia via the US. This mission was a response of the local Christian community to the physical and spiritual needs of immigrants and disadvantaged individuals regardless of race or creed in the volatile era of the late 1930's.
Over the years through the efforts of many volunteers and staff House of Friendship has served thousands of low-income people has become a vital component in the social service network of the Region of Waterloo. Presently, the agency serves over 32,500 women, men, youth and children annually. Program areas include addiction services, community services, family services and residential services.