Category: Stories

  • Remembering Joan Leishman

    Remembering Joan Leishman

    Mary Jo Leddy, Romero House founder, and Maureen Brosnahan, Romero House board member, reflect on the sudden loss of their friend, Joan Leishman. A passionate journalist and advocate for refugees, Joan will be sorely missed.

  • A Tour of Romero House: Where Refugees Find Home, Community, and Hope

    A Tour of Romero House: Where Refugees Find Home, Community, and Hope

    On July 23rd, 2025, I had the pleasure of joining the Jumpstart Refugee Talent team for a special tour of Romero House, located in downtown Toronto. Although it was a beautiful summer day, what made it truly memorable wasn’t just the sunshine, it was the warmth and humanity we experienced inside the homes of Romero…

  • Celebrating Former Residents: Small Business Success Story- Misrak Mengesha

    Celebrating Former Residents: Small Business Success Story- Misrak Mengesha

    This post in the series “Celebrating Former Residents: Small Business Success Stories” is about former resident Misrak Mengesha. She is the founder of Namet Ethiopian Coffee and also works full-time as a Banking Advisor at RBC (Royal Bank of Canada). Business: Namet Ethiopian Coffee  When Misrak Mengesha arrived in Canada in 2017, she carried with her…

  • Celebrating Former Residents: Small Business Success Story- Paola Gomez

    Celebrating Former Residents: Small Business Success Story- Paola Gomez

    At Romero House, we are always inspired by the journeys of former residents who continue to build welcoming and creative communities. One such story is that of Paola Gomez, Co-Founder and Program Director of MUSE Arts.

  • Reflections from the US-Mexico Border, February 2025

    Reflections from the US-Mexico Border, February 2025

    Francesca Allodi-Ross, recently traveled to the US-Mexico border with the Jesuit Migration Network, a group that supports and advocates for migrants across the Americas. There, she met families whose journeys had been marked by resilience and hardship—families like those welcomed at Romero House, but whose futures remain far more uncertain. Their experiences reveal the deep…

  • Celebrating Former Residents: Small Business Success Story- Erica and Esau

    Celebrating Former Residents: Small Business Success Story- Erica and Esau

    This is a second post in the series “Celebrating Former Residents: Small Business Success Stories” about former resident Erica and Esau Parrilla who lived at Romero House from 2018-2019. They started their food truck business We cater Food on Wheels in 2021. Business: We Cater Food on Wheels Bringing food wherever people need it—that’s the…

  • Thank You to our Donors

    Thank You to our Donors

    Your unwavering support, whether through financial contributions, time, or resources, has made a profound difference in the lives of those we serve. We achieved remarkable milestones, launched new initiatives, expanded our outreach programs, and provided essential services to those who need them most.

  • Evening of Peace Reflection

    Evening of Peace Reflection

    The Evening of Peace is a cherished tradition bringing together our resident families, workers, volunteers, and friends during what can be a difficult time of year being away from home. It’s a celebration of connection, joy, and community.

  • Romero Moves 2024 at High Park

    Romero Moves 2024 at High Park

    On October 6th, 2024, we gathered for our first-ever 5km Run/Walk/Roll through High Park, and what a day it was. With 65 enthusiastic participants, 45 dedicated volunteers, and the unwavering support of our community, Romero Moves was an incredible success.

  • 2024 Romero Camp Reflection

    2024 Romero Camp Reflection

    Reflection about the most amazing moment this year, a trip to Romero Camp at Anishinabe Spiritual Centre, a place of peace, beauty, nature, quiet, and relaxation. By JOAN ALIOBE, Romero House Resident.