Most of us have experienced the devastation of Hurricane Milton. The hurricane affected many of us in our community as some us were left without power for a few days and the storm kept us awake while causing some damage to our homes.
What about those in our community who don't have homes? How do they "shelter in place" when they don't have a shelter and now with the new laws in Florida that criminalize homelessness, they don't even have a place. Where do they go? Thankfully, Matthew's Hope opened it's doors in Orange and Brevard counties to shelter more than 140 homeless guests.
Matthew's Hope provided it's guests shelter from the storm, warm food, clothes , hot
showers, and most of all HOPE! Matthew's Hope typically provides more than $41,000 per day in resources between it's two campuses. However, when they have to keep the operations open for 30 straight hours due to the Hurricane, the cost increases exponentially. The food and services provided to the guests during the storm were thanks to the generous donations from the community. The Elks, Winter Garden provided cots and other community members stepped up with both financial and in-kind donations. Denise Fisher, Special Projects Coordinator with Aflac and Matthew's Hope Board Member, wrote
"These homeless guests in the Winter Garden and Cocoa locations are safe, dry and no longer hungry for today and tomorrow. They don’t have to worry about everything they own blowing away or being stolen. They can sleep in peace tonight knowing they are safe, they are not soaked to the bone as they were offered showers, warm food and lots of love. Matthews Hope offers all of this and so much more".
Further debunking the homeless myth that "they are just bums", many of these guests stayed after the storm to help clean. It's amazing what a good night sleep, food, and some love can do for these individuals. They were happy to "help us, help them, help themselves".
The storms and inflation have really stretched our resources. Matthew's Hope desperately needs to restock it's Food & Hygiene Pantry. While we greatly appreciate the support during times of crisis and the Holidays, the truth is Matthew's Hope has over 1,000 weekly visits by homeless individuals. Many of our homeless guests left our campuses after the storm with the question "now what?" With growth in need surpassing all reasonable projections, and new laws recently being passed by our State Legislators that are criminalizing homelessness, Matthew's Hope hands are full and are looking to our communities we serve to partner with us in our ongoing mission. Please consider making a donation. We greatly appreciate your support.
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