Some volunteers make an impact the moment they walk through the door. Their character, energy, and eagerness to support shine through, and they instantly become part of the team. That was exactly the case when one of our newest volunteers joined us this past year.
From day one, they brought fun and warmth, quickly gelling with the team. But what we didn’t realise was that their journey with Matthew’s House had started long before we received their application to volunteer.
On their trial shift, as they worked alongside our team, one of our volunteers had a moment of recognition. At first, they thought they had met before—maybe during the recruitment process—but then it clicked. This wasn’t the first time they had been through our doors.
A few years ago, life had taken an unexpected turn. They had always worked, had family around them, but a series of events led them to a place they never thought they’d be—homeless. That year was one of the hardest of their life, a time that nearly broke them. Sleeping rough, struggling to find stability, they eventually moved into temporary accommodation. Months later, they secured a place to call home.
That’s when our journey with them first began. Not as a volunteer, but as a guest.
Matthew’s House had been there in those difficult moments—offering a meal, a listening ear, and a place of safety. And now, that same person stands alongside us, giving back to others who are facing their own struggles.
We have incredible statistics that show the impact of Matthew’s House, but where we see our true impact is in stories like this—one person at a time.