At Matthew’s House, the heartbeat of our project isn’t just the meals we serve or the support we provide—it’s the people who make it happen. Our volunteer family, over 120 strong, is the energy behind everything we do.
Volunteers come from every walk of life—teenagers working toward their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, students balancing assignments, those seeking experience for employment, and retirees who want to give back after a lifetime of work. Despite their different backgrounds, they all find a common purpose in our mission: to bring hospitality and hope to our city—a mission rooted in the compassion and culture of our Hill Church family, the charity behind Matthew’s House.
Early in 2025, as part of our regular cycle of recruitment, a new volunteer joined us for a trial shift. Like many before them, they stepped into our kitchen, ready to serve. The day was full-on—washing dishes, working hard with the team, and embracing the fast-paced energy of Matthew’s House. But instead of exhaustion, they left feeling something completely different.
Later that evening, they sent this message:
“Just wanted to say a big thank you for making me feel so welcome today. What the organisation does is extraordinary, honestly it has blown me away, I feel privileged to be a part of what you do.
My hands are raw, but I’m happy 😊”
It’s moments like this that remind us why we do what we do. Hard work. Full hearts. A community bound by hope.
Welcome to the family. 💛