2024 Welcoming Ottawa Ambassadors

When Doreen Kato arrived in Canada from Uganda in 2017, she benefitted from the goodwill of strangers who helped her settle into a new life. Doreen joined River Jordan Church, where Rev. Joseph Kiirya, together with another member of the church welcomed her and helped her in her journey.

Determined to pay forward the kindness she received, Doreen began volunteering at Mathew House, a non-profit organization that provides shelter, furnishings and community to refugees and those transitioning to permanent housing. She eventually secured a position there, serving newcomers for five years. 

Over the years, she has become well-known for her passion and expertise in helping newcomers. 

During the height of the pandemic in 2021, when a church member told her about the imminent arrival a Ugandan family (Nakajanko Njeri and her children), Doreen immediately stepped into action. 

Despite her busy schedule, she arranged for the family to be picked up from the airport and taken to a quarantine hotel in Montreal for two days and then to Ottawa to complete the two-week quarantine period. 

After their quarantine period, with no place to go and on a particularly cold day, Doreen brought the family to her home. She coordinated with city services to find a more permanent housing solution.

Nakajanko (more commonly known as Naka), recalls the profound impact of her first meeting with Doreen in Ottawa. “She hugged me and said, “Welcome to Canada, everything is going to be alright, just give it time.”” Those words meant the whole world to me. Throughout our most challenging times, Doreen has been our pillar of support, and she still is.”

Then the family of four began a difficult chapter in their settlement journey. The initial hotel offered by the city was less than ideal, with one room containing two twin beds for the family of four.

After four days, they moved to a better hotel, but it lacked a kitchen. Doreen stepped in, bringing them meals every two days, along with snacks and fruits, and guiding Naka through the necessary appointments. “She always encouraged us that everything would be okay,” Naka says. “She made us feel like family.” And to this day, Naka continues to remember Doreen’s initial words of encouragement that gave her hope for the future.

For a year, Doreen brought their laundry to her home rather than them having to pay $20 a week at the shelter. 

“She helped us with our refugee claim settlement process, prayed for us everyday and connected us to a church and the wider Ugandan community in Ottawa,” explains Nakanjako. “Doreen encouraged us when I felt like giving up, connected me to volunteering opportunities, drove us to different appointments, assisted us to find housing and helped me to get my very first job in Ottawa.”

Throughout this period, Doreen received many calls from others in need and found ways to help. Her home often transformed into a mini-settlement agency and sanctuary, with people sleeping everywhere — from the living room to the kitchen floor. 

“If you ask me how many newcomers spent a night at my house in the past year, I could say, without counting, more than 70,” Doreen says. 

When Naka received the devastating news of the death of two of her sisters from COVID-19 during the same week, Doreen was there for her. “I cried and cried, and never got over it,” remembers Nakanjako. “She let us stay at her house that day, taking the children, to give me some time to be alone.”

Doreen’s approach to support is deeply personal. Her belief in everyone’s potential and willingness to give second chances are hallmarks of her character. She knows everyone’s name, their family situations, and specific challenges. Doreen provides everyone with intuitive care, according to their unique vulnerabilities. 

“She lent me money to do my driver’s test and buy a car,” adds Naka. 

Doreen often quotes Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do so.”
She is a Pastor at the Spirit Life Miracle Centre. The church members, many of whom are immigrants, appreciate her sincere devotion and dedication in ministering to them at their greatest need. 

Doreen was instrumental in founding Samaritan House Ottawa, where 16 refugee claimants are currently housed and supported. Doreen works full-time as Executive Director there, on an entirely volunteer basis. She is driven by her a deep belief in altruism. “Someone has to pay the price, and I am happy to be the one,” she explains. 

Doreen’s dedication is unwavering. “Nothing should rob somebody of their human dignity,” she says. “People escaping from war, domestic abuse, and other dehumanizing situations should always feel welcome, loved and treated with dignity when they come here.”
Naka fondly remembers her first birthday and Christmas in Canada, both made special by Doreen’s thoughtfulness. “I wouldn’t be where I am without her,” Naka reflects.

Naka highlights the inspiration of Doreen’s actions. “I have learned from the best and now support newcomers in my own way, always happy to pay forward what Doreen did for us,” highlights Naka. 

Doreen’s influence impacts not only those she directly helps, but also those who are inspired by her example. Naka now helps newcomers herself. Together they celebrate each small victory, from helping people to obtain work permits, find jobs and housing, obtain acceptance and permanent resident status, to reuniting families. Together they finding joy in the progress and success of those they help.
Life is now much better for Naka. She recently celebrated her one-year work anniversary at Mathew House.

“For me its not just the support,” concludes Naka. “It’s the multiplier effect in the people we help. Some we haven’t even met, who are far away in other parts of Canada.” 

There is now a larger team welcoming newcomers, all because of Doreen’s multiplier effect.