Catherine Wiebe and her family
Monthly donor
Simcoe
What made you want to become involved with Indwell?
We loved the faith-based perspective to everything [Indwell does]. We love the holistic perspective—it’s not just about a place to live, but supports and community building…Living out the call to care for the community’s most vulnerable people.
What’s different in your life since you became involved with Indwell?
I love giving our money away because I feel that so often you look back at your budget and so much goes through the cracks. When [you] give your money away, you know you are doing the best thing you can do with it. It’s a wonderful feeling.
What is something others might not know about Indwell, but you wish they did?
I would love for more people to know about Indwell in general. I feel like people paint affordable housing with a single brush. Indwell is not just about housing, it’s about creating a community that makes a home.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Am I allowed to have two? Mint Chip from Hewitt’s Dairy or Moose Tracks.
Shawn
Tenant
London
What made you want to become involved with Indwell?
I was pretty much living in my car at the time, and I had nowhere to go. Things weren’t looking too good. And CMHA helped me find this place. It was something new.
What’s different in your life since you became involved with Indwell?
I feel more confident in myself now and I don’t have to worry about where I am. I can stay here as long as I want. I run Rock Talk at Woodfield Gate. You pick a song, the group listens to it, then you reflect on why you like it and the way it helps your bipolar or addictions. It’s amazing what music can do.
What is something others might not know about Indwell, but you wish they did?
Indwell is Christian-run, that’s the first thing. They don’t shove church at you, but if you do want help, they can help you seek it, just like they do everything else.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Heavenly Hash. That’s kind of how I look at Indwell. You’re like my favourite flavor.
Marcée Lane
Program Manager
Wentworth Program
Hamilton
What made you want to become involved with Indwell?
I was impressed with how faith-driven the organization is. That really drew me. I was pretty hesitant coming back to working for a Christian agency, but had my faith restored by working with Indwell and their Christ-centered leadership.
What’s different in your life since you became involved with Indwell?
For the first time in my life, I’m not working beneath the low-income cut-off. I’m receiving a living wage. I’ve come to see how something that is very practical like a roof over your head can be a calling. I was a missionary for 12 years, and I’ve realized that this work is also ministry. It’s expanded my perspective.
What is something others might not know about Indwell, but you wish they did?
For people to understand how challenging it is for our tenants. I encounter a lot of misconceptions about the work we do. I want people to understand how much of a gap Indwell is filling. There is so much sacrifice that goes into this work.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Frozen raspberry yogurt in a waffle cone.
Deb Grootenboer
Volunteer
Woodstock
What made you want to become involved with Indwell?
I like to support organizations that provide more than a Band-Aid—a repetitive cycle without people getting the help they need. I feel called to give to a place like Indwell, not just of my money but of my time. Volunteering helps me get to know what it’s like for the tenants and the beauty of community.
What’s different in your life since you became involved with Indwell?
I think it’s given me a better understanding and compassion towards mental health, homelessness, and God’s provision in my life. I’m aware of how delicate that can be—to have a home. I get as much out of my weekly walks [with a tenant] as I receive.
What is something others might not know about Indwell, but you wish they did?
You are going to empower tenants to thrive in their lives. You can be involved in very little ways—just consider your interests. The coordinator can find a place for you. If you want to be involved with your time, it should be something you want to do.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
That’s an easy one: Kawartha Dairy’s Bear Claw!
