St. Matthews House is more than just a shelter; it’s a beacon of hope and a path to a new beginning for many in Southwest Florida. Since our founding in 1987, this nonprofit organisation has been fighting homelessness, hunger, and addiction in the community for over 35 years.
Located in Naples, FL, St. Matthews House extends a helping hand to those in need, offering not just temporary relief but also long-term solutions to break the cycles of poverty, homelessness, and addiction. From providing emergency housing to job training programs, their comprehensive approach transforms lives and gives hope to those who need it most. Unlike many organisations, our operational costs are covered by our social enterprises — including thrift stores, a full-service café, a catering company, and a retreat/conference center.
This self-sustaining model allows us to direct 100% of all public donations directly into our life-changing programs.
What Programs Does St. Matthews House Offer?
St. Matthews House offers a wide range of programs designed to address the various needs of the community. Here’s an overview:
- Emergency Shelter and Housing: They provide temporary housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, offering a safe and supportive environment.
- Addiction Recovery: With specialised programs, St. Matthews House helps individuals struggling with addiction find a path to recovery. They offer counselling, support groups, and sober living environments to aid in long-term sobriety.
- Food Assistance: The organisation addresses food insecurity through their food pantry and meal distribution services, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.
- Job Training and Workforce Development: St. Matthew’s House helps individuals gain the skills and confidence needed to find employment. They offer resume writing assistance, interview preparation, and job training programs to empower individuals to achieve financial stability.
- Thrift Store: The St. Matthew’s House Thrift Store is a treasure trove of bargains! Donations from the community are sorted and sold, with proceeds going back into funding theorganisation’ss programs. It’s a great place to find affordable clothing, household items, and more while supporting a good cause.
- Community Outreach and Partnerships: St. Matthews House collaborates with local businesses, organisations, and volunteers to extend their reach and better serve the community. This includes operating a jail chaplaincy service for Collier County, extending our spiritual and emotional support beyond our physical walls to reach the incarcerated and their families.
How Can You Join and Support Their Initiatives?
Joining the St. Matthews House family is easy, and there are multiple ways to get involved and support their life-changing work:
- Donate: Your donations are crucial to keeping their programs running. You can donate financially or give items such as clothing, furniture, and household goods to their thrift store. All donations are tax-deductible, and every dollar makes a difference!
- Volunteer: St. Matthews House values the support of volunteers who lend their time and talents to various activities. Whether it’s sorting donations, serving meals, or helping with administrative tasks, volunteers are an integral part of their team.
- Spread the Word: Help raise awareness about St. Matthews House and its mission by talking to friends and family, sharing their stories on social media, and following their Facebook page (@StMatthewsHouseNaples). You can also stay updated by signing up for their newsletter on their website.
The Impact of St. Matthews House Programs on the Community
The programs offered by St. Matthews House have had a profound impact on the Southwest Florida community, especially in Naples and Collier County. By providing a range of services, they’ve transformed lives and given hope to those struggling with homelessness, hunger, and addiction.
- Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness: St. Matthews House has provided emergency shelter to thousands of individuals and families, offering a safe and supportive environment during their time of need. Their transitional housing programs also help individuals secure permanent housing and achieve long-term stability.
- Addressing Food Insecurity: Through their food pantry and meal distribution services, St. Matthews House ensures that no one in the community goes to bed hungry. They provide nutritious meals and groceries to those in need, including families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity.
- Fighting Addiction: The specialised addiction recovery programs have helped countless individuals break free from the chains of addiction. By offering counselling, support groups, and sober living environments, St. Matthew’s House empowers individuals to achieve long-term sobriety and rebuild their lives.
- Empowering Through Job Training: Their job training and workforce development programs have equipped individuals with the skills and confidence needed to secure employment. This leads to financial stability and a sense of purpose, helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency.
How Your Donations Make a Difference
Donations are vital to the success of St. Matthew’s House and its ability to continue transforming lives. When you donate, you’re not just giving money or items; you’re offering hope and a chance for a fresh start to those in need. Here’s how your donations make a tangible impact:
- Financial Donations: Your financial contributions help fund the various programs and services offered by St. Matthews House. This includes emergency shelter, addiction recovery support, job training, and food assistance. Every dollar donated goes directly toward helping those in your community who need it most.
- Donations to the Thrift Store: When you donate gently used items to the St. Matthews House Thrift Store, you’re not only providing affordable options for shoppers, but you’re also contributing to their funding. The revenue generated from thrift store sales goes back into running the organisation’s programs. So your pre-loved clothing, furniture, and household goods become someone else’s treasure while supporting a great cause!
- Food Donations: Non-perishable food items donated to St. Matthews House help stock their food pantry and ensure that those facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals. Your donations of canned goods, cereals, pasta, and other staples make a direct impact on fighting hunger in your community.
Exploring the St. Matthews House Thrift Store
The St. Matthews House Thrift Store is a shopper’s delight and a vital part of the organisation’s funding. With a range of offerings, the thrift store provides an affordable and sustainable shopping experience while supporting a good cause:
- Location and Hours: You can find the St. Matthews House Thrift Store at 3675 Manor Lane, Naples, FL. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, making it convenient for shoppers to drop by and browse their extensive inventory.
- Thrift Store Offerings: The store offers a wide variety of second-hand treasures, including clothing, furniture, household goods, books, and more. You can find everything from vintage clothing to gently used furniture at bargain prices. It’s the perfect place to discover unique items while supporting a worthy cause.
- Volunteering at the Thrift Store: The thrift store is largely operated by dedicated volunteers who sort donations, organise the store, and assist shoppers. If you’re looking to give back to your community, volunteering at the St. Matthews House Thrift Store is a fun and rewarding experience. You’ll be helping to ensure that donations are processed efficiently and that shoppers have a pleasant experience.
Fighting Hunger in Collier County
St. Matthews House is committed to ensuring that no one in Collier County goes to bed hungry. Through our Community Choice Pantry, we offer a dignified, client-choice shopping experience that allows individuals to select the foods they love while accessing essential resources.
- Pantry Hours & Access: Shopping is available Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Fridays are reserved for receiving donations and are closed for shopping. Visits are strictly by appointment to ensure personalised service — book easily online at https://calendly.com/smhpantry-stmatthewshouse or call us at 239-298-5024 for inquiries. Please bring a photo ID for check-in at registration.
- Most-Needed Donations: To keep our shelves well-stocked, we prioritise specific items. Our most-needed donations include canned goods (beans, fruits, vegetables, soups), kitchen staples (cereal, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, rice, pasta, shelf-stable milk), as well as fresh and frozen items (vegetables, eggs, dairy, and frozen meat). These donations help us share the love of Jesus with everyone who visits.
- Community Partnerships: St. Matthews House collaborates with local businesses, farmers, and organisations to fight hunger in Collier County. They receive donations and support from various sources, ensuring a steady supply of food for those in need.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
Staying engaged with the community is an essential part of St. Matthews House’s mission. They organise and participate in various events and fundraisers throughout the year to raise awareness and support for their cause:
- Upcoming Events in 2024: Mark your calendars for some exciting events coming up in 2024! In April, join the “Spring into Action” 5K run/walk, a fun event for all ages to show your support and get active. Then, in November, the “Share the Warmth” drive will be collecting donations of warm clothing and blankets to help those in need stay cosy during the colder months.
- Community Fundraisers: St. Matthews House also partners with local businesses and organisations for community fundraisers. Keep an eye out for exclusive shopping events, restaurant fundraisers, and sporting events that give back to the organisation. These events are a fun way to show your support while enjoying time with friends and family.
- Stay Updated: To stay in the loop about upcoming events and activities, follow St. Matthews House on Facebook (@StMatthewsHouseNaples) and sign up for their newsletter on their website. You can also check their website for updates and learn more about how you can get involved.
Transforming Lives and Impacting the Community
The impact of St. Matthews House extends far beyond the walls of their shelter and programs. They’ve transformed the lives of countless individuals and families, offering hope and a fresh start:
- Resident Success Stories: One former resident, Sarah, shared her story of how St. Matthews House helped her turn her life around. “I was struggling with addiction and had lost everything,” she said. “St. Matthews House gave me a safe place to recover and taught me how to believe in myself again. Today, I’m sober, employed, and living in my own place. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support.”
- Community Impact Data: In 2024, St. Matthews House served over 2,500 meals to those in need, provided emergency shelter to 300 individuals, and helped 150 individuals secure permanent housing. Their food pantry distributed groceries to 500 families, and their job training programs boasted a 75% employment rate for graduates. These numbers showcase the tangible impact the organisation has on the community.
- Breaking the Cycles: St. Matthews House doesn’t just provide temporary relief; they work to break the cycles of homelessness, poverty, and addiction. Their comprehensive programs address the root causes of these issues, empowering individuals to achieve long-term stability and a brighter future.
Conclusion
St. Matthews House has been a pillar of hope and support in Southwest Florida for over 35 years. Through its dedicated programs and services, it’s transformed lives and given hope to those in need. Whether you’re seeking help, looking to donate, or wanting to volunteer, St. Matthews House welcomes you with open arms.
Get involved and be a part of their life-changing work. Donate, volunteer, or spread the word about their mission. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where no one is left behind.
To learn more about St. Matthew’s House and their programs, visit their website or follow them on Facebook. With your support, they can continue to transform lives and fight homelessness, hunger, and addiction in Southwest Florida.
Remember, your generosity and involvement make a real difference!
