About St. Matt’s
(formerly St. Matthew’s House)
Our Mission
Empowering people to lead fulfilling lives through effective advocacy and compassionate support.
Our Vision
A community of hope where people thrive.
Our Values
Our values shape how we show up, how we work, and how we walk alongside the people we serve.
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Inclusion
We welcome and value people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
Compassion
We lead with empathy, kindness, and care in every interaction.
Equity & Justice
We work to address systemic barriers and advance fairness and opportunity for all.
Respect
We honour the dignity, autonomy, and voice of every individual.
Accountability
We steward resources responsibly and act with transparency and integrity.
Adaptability
We respond thoughtfully to evolving community needs with flexibility and innovation.
Guided by empathy, we meet every individual where they are. We celebrate diversity and strive for equity in everything we do. Transparency and trust are at the heart of our work. Together, we achieve more than we ever could alone.
Who We Are
Helping people thrive.
St. Matt’s is a cornerstone of compassion and care in our community. For decades, we have stood alongside seniors, families, and individuals navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges—offering practical support rooted in dignity, respect, and hope.
Our work is guided by a simple belief: when people are supported with care and consistency, communities grow stronger.
St. Matt’s began in 1964 as a small storefront ministry called The Compass, created to support residents of Hamilton’s north end. Originally an outreach of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, the organization was fully incorporated in 1975 and has since grown into a charitable, non-profit, multi-service agency serving lower-city Hamilton.
In 2025, St. Matt’s proudly marked 50 years of incorporation—and more than 60 years of serving, supporting, and building community.
Community & Advocacy
St. Matt’s is deeply rooted in community collaboration and social advocacy. We believe lasting change happens when people and organizations work together:
- Advocacy for Social Justice: Amplifying voices and advancing policy change to address systemic inequities.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations, governments, and businesses to strengthen collective impact.
- Volunteer Engagement: Creating meaningful opportunities for community members to share their time, skills, and passion.
Inclusivity & Belonging
St. Matt’s is committed to creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and truly seen. This commitment is reflected across our programs and relationships:
- Culturally Responsive Services: Programs shaped by lived experience and community voice, reflecting the needs of Black, Indigenous, newcomer, and racialized communities.
- LGBTQ+ Supports: Affirming spaces and services for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
- Accessibility-Focused Programs: Removing barriers to ensure equitable access for people of all abilities.
Inclusion at St. Matt’s is not a statement—it is an ongoing practice. We remain committed to reflection, relationship-building, and action that supports dignity, belonging, and justice for all.
Get Involved
Community support fuels everything we do. There are many ways to stand with St. Matt’s and help create lasting change:
- Volunteer With Us: Share your time and skills to strengthen our programs.
- Donate Today: Every gift supports dignity-centred care and community connection.
- Join Our Advocacy Efforts: Help raise awareness and advance equity and justice.
Together, we are building a future where everyone can feel supported, valued, and at home in their community.