FALL 2025
Moving Forward Fall 2025
Frustrated by the crisis, proud of the change—Matthew’s Hope brings dignity and hope to the homeless.
Jacob and David’s journeys prove Matthew’s Hope helps rebuild lives.
Episode 86 of Straight Talk, No B.S. showcases how Matthew’s Hope upports the community through mobile outreach. Unhoused
Senior homelessness is surging in Central Florida as fixed incomes can’t match rising housing costs.
Article provided by the Local
Homelessness isn’t just a man with a sign—it’s workers, teachers, and kids priced out by rising costs.
Matthew’s Hope is powered by volunteers whose compassion makes hope possible.
Nearly 1 in 4 homeless are families with children, struggling to survive in Florida.
Ending the hunger survey won’t end the crisis—Matthew’s Hope sees the need growing daily.
This poem was sent to us by Angela, a Matthew’s Hope supporter.
At Matthew’s Hope, one of the most essential parts of what we offer our guests is something many of us take for granted: a shower.
With My Favorite Tutor, GED tutoring helps guests like Gage and 26 David pass and step into skilled trades
At Matthew’s Hope Brevard, mental health support brings dignity and hope to guests in need.
Moving Forward with Jacob and David
Matthew’s Hope Founder Scott Billue
Writers
Marc Jablon, Scott Billue, Mark McWater, Sarah Dewitz, Shelley Bradford, Teresa Raphael, Shannon Diaz
Photography
Jon Burket, Josh Clark, Fred Lopez
Graphics, Layout and Design
Amanda Kumpulainen
Special thanks to the Local for providing article “Shared Strength”
Orange County Administrative Offices 611 Business Park Blvd. #101
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Phone: (407) 905-9500
Email: info@mhm25.org
Monday - Friday 8 am- 4 pm
Brevard Administrative Offices 825 Forrest Avenue Cocoa , 32922
brevardinfo@mhm25.org
Phone: (407) 905-9500 (ext. 2)
Firm Foundation Preschool & Daycare, Orange County
740 9th St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Firm Foundation Preschool & Daycare, Brevard County 825 Forrest Ave, Cocoa, Florida 32922
Orange County Outreach Center 611 Business Park Blvd, St. 101. Winter Garden, FL 34787
Mon-Friday: 8-4 Saturday: 8-2
Brevard Outreach Center 825 Forrest Avenue Cocoa 32922
Mon-Friday: 8-4 Saturday: 8-2
Hope Chest Store, Orange County 1027 S Dillard St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Monday- Saturday: 10am-4pm
Hope Chest Store, Brevard County 830 Forrest Avenue Cocoa, FL 32922
Trinity Oaks
825 Forrest Ave, Cocoa, Florida 32922
Courtney@Trinityoaksvenues.org
Phone: (321) 514-6215
If you follow me on social media or have listened to our award-winning podcast, Straight Talk, No B.S., it might seem as if I’m disgruntled, upset, or—in plain English— PISSED OFF. And if you’ve noticed that, in many cases, you’d be right.
Unfortunately, the homeless crisis continues to grow rapidly in our communities. It doesn’t matter what your political persuasion is—this issue has been ignored and underfunded for decades. The truth is, there has been very little movement to address this crisis, even though the need has grown by double digits year after year. But who’s counting? You’ll also read in this magazine about the Trump Administration’s decision to cancel the annual hunger survey.
At the same time, I’m also extremely proud. In these pages, you’ll find stories about The Power of Showers and the incredible progress some of our homeless guests are making in our Moving Forward program. Jacob and David, for example, have overcome addiction, battled homelessness, and are now pursuing degrees—thanks to Matthew’s Hope, our volunteers, and our donors.
We are constantly working to educate our readers and our community that the true face of homelessness is not just the man on the street with a sign. It’s your neighbor, your mother, your grandmother. It’s Baby Boomers who, after the death of a loved one, suddenly find themselves surviving on one income. And it’s people who have jobs. Consider this: the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Central Florida is $1,500 per month. Add in a car payment, gas, utilities, and food, and total monthly expenses are around $2,750. At $15 per hour, the average take-home pay is $2,144. That leaves the working poor running a deficit of about $600 each month.
Nonprofits like Matthew’s Hope simply do not have the resources to fight this homegrown battle alone. Without the support of our state, county, and local leaders, our capacity is stretched thin. We’ve done our best to manage growth—in both services offered and areas served—but the resources required to keep pace with this crisis far exceed what we currently have.
As Matthew’s Hope enters the 4th Quarter, we remain committed to being proactive. Our new buses will provide overnight shelter for up to 20 individuals. The goal is to offer temporary relief with intentional structure—enough stability to connect someone to their next right step. We want to be at the forefront of the change we want to see in our communities.
Matthew’s Hope is a change maker—doing a lot with a little. We operate in the trenches. We see the souls we serve as real people, worthy of dignity, love, and compassion. Let us continue moving forward together, becoming the change we all want to see in our communities.
Moving Forward with Jacob and David
by Marc Jablon
I’ve been writing for Matthew’s Hope Moving Forward Magazine for years. Each quarter is the same. Scott, Shelley, and I discuss current events, we collect articles, and then we choose a cover story. This time was different!
Once I heard about the incredible work Shannon Diaz, Matthew’s Hope Orange County Director, and her team were doing with Jacob and David, I said this is the cover story. There is nothing that describes “Moving Forward” more than two young men who have overcome addiction, battled homelessness, and now are earning degrees thanks to Matthew’s Hope, its volunteers, and its donors. We’re truly in a full circle moment that illustrates the Matthew’s Hope mission “Help Us, Help Them, Help Themselves”. The Program works!
Jacob’s Story
For a 27-year-old man named Jacob, life today is a world away from where he was just a few years ago. At 21, despite having a supportive and successful mom, Jacob spiralled into a life of addiction, excessive drinking, and snorting heroin. His mom, recognizing she could no longer enable his self-destructive path, made the excruciating decision to kick him out.
This difficult but firm boundary set Jacob on a course of homelessness. For three years, he drifted, sleeping behind buildings and moving from place to place as police told him to “move it along.” His mom, still looking out for him in a way that didn’t support his addiction, provided a tent so Jacob could at least stay in the woods, a small gesture of care that maintained a crucial, albeit strained, connection. Her tough love, while painful,
eventually became the catalyst for Jacob to seek help.
“This level of supportive, yet firm, family involvement is incredibly rare for people experiencing homelessness. Many people without a home have been rejected
“Jacob’s story is a testament to the fact that while a parent’s love can’t cure addiction, tough love and community support can be the
or ostracized by their families, making Jacob’s story a powerful exception” stated Shannon Diaz, Matthew’s Hope Orange County Director.
Jacob has been a familiar face at Matthew’s Hope since 2022, but his journey toward recovery didn’t truly begin until March 2025. Finally, after years of resistance and multiple jail stays, Jacob was finally receptive to the help offered by the Moving Forward Program. Embracing the program, he worked his way into Transitional Housing, dedicating himself to a rigorous recovery plan. With a renewed focus, Jacob has earned his GED and is now enrolled at Orange Technical College for plumbing. He has also made significant strides in his personal health, managing his genetic hearing loss with new hearing aids provided by Matthew’s Hope’s health care team. His sobriety has given him the opportunity to be a father again, allowing him to reconnect with his six-year-old son, which is a profound motivator for his continued success. Jacob’s story is a testament to the fact that while a parent’s love can’t cure addiction, tough love and community support can be the key to opening the door to recovery.
David’s Story
David’s story is one of resilience and determination, and is evidenced by the fact that homelessness can happen to anyone, even after a period of stability. For over five years, David found a sense of normalcy and security, living in a stable home with a roommate and working steadily in a landscaping job. This period was a significant triumph after a childhood marked by instability, including being adopted three times and navigating the foster care system. David grew up in an Orphanage in Columbia. He was adopted and moved to the United States in the 2nd Grade. Unfortunately, he failed to pass, due to English being his second language. At the age of 12, David was pulled out of school due to behavior and performance and got put into all boys school. At the age of 14, David was having issues at home and was Baker Acted.
At 16, David’s adoptive parents put him back into foster care in Seattle. David started smoking weed, drinking alcohol, and started hanging out with the wrong crowd. At 17, he was flown back to FL and put in a mental health facility. David finally started to turn his life around at 18. David went to Job Corp in Miami and received his High school diploma and learned a trade: Facility Maintenance. He then went to GA to study to be a heavy equipment operator but failed that program due to failing a drug test for marijuana. At 20, David came back to FL and was unable to stay with adoptive mom and was homeless. He stayed in a shelter and got a job at the Cheesecake Factory where he met a co-worker in a similar situation and went in on a hotel room together until they could no longer afford it. David was homeless again but continued to work and save money.
Eventually, David called his mom and asked for help. He was able to stay with her and save money. He was able to put a down payment on a car. Unfortunately, David got kicked out of his moms for smoking weed, so he was sleeping in his car, despite still working at the Cheesecake Factory.
David’s adoptive sister borrowed his car in the middle of the night and died in a horrific car crash. At this point David no longer had a place to stay. Eventually, David got a new place with a friend and was stable for 5-6 years working at a landscape company. His life was on a solid footing, and he was building a future for himself. However, this stability was shattered unexpectedly when his roommate passed away. This sudden loss left him unable to afford the rent on his own, and he found himself on the brink of homelessness again, faced with the difficult decision of whether to live in his car or seek help. Most people don’t realize the significant financial impact that is caused by the loss of a roommate. One-bedroom apartments in Central Florida are averaging $1500 per month. When you add in a car payment, gas, utilities, and food, total monthly expenses are around $2,750. At $15 per hour after-tax take-home pay is $2144. The working poor is already running a deficit of $600 per month.
“David’s dedication to improving his life is truly inspiring. Instead of giving up, he sought help, worked with a math tutor, and proved his resolve to overcome obstacles and build a life of purpose.”
gram. This choice required immense courage, including the hard decision to give up his car, a major step that symbolized his commitment to a new path. David’s dedication to improving his life is truly inspiring. He faced a significant academic hurdle in his pursuit of a new career in HVAC, but instead of giving up, he sought help. He worked diligently with a math tutor to improve his skills, allowing him to score high enough on the entry exam to enroll at Orange Technical College. This accomplishment isn’t just about passing a test; it’s a powerful symbol of his resolve to overcome obstacles, take control of his future, and build a life of purpose. David has committed himself to living a healthier lifestyle, eating right, journaling, seeing a mental health professional.
Both David’s and Jacob’s stories are proof that the Moving Forward Program. Both these individuals “Trusted the Process” and with the help of the amazing staff, volunteers, and donors, they can pursue careers in HVAC and Plumbing. Will they ultimately be successful? We don’t know, but thanks to Matthew’s Hope, they have a chance.
David’s journey took a powerful turn when he decided to trust the process and engage with the Moving Forward Pro-
Our 86th episode of our “Straight Talk, No B.S.” podcast opens a window into what our mobile outreach teams at Matthew’s Hope Ministries experience every single week. For many of our neighbors who are struggling, those first moments with our teams are often the very first touch of care they’ve received in a long time. It is food, water, clothing, hygiene items, and information about our in-house services. But more than that, it is a reminder: you are seen, you are cared for, and you are not forgotten.
When our mobile teams head out every Monday and Wednesday at 6am, we see anywhere between 60 and 100 people. Campsites that were bustling with life one week can be completely bulldozed the next. We’ve walked up to places where we had just shared a meal or a smile with someone, only to return days later and find everything gone. Tents flattened, belongings scattered, precious personal items buried under piles of debris. Each time, it’s a reminder of how fragile life on the street can be and how important it is to keep showing up.
There are countless moments of heartbreak, but also moments of triumph. Shannon Diaz, our Orange County Campus Director, shared about a man she met over a year ago. He was deep in addiction when our team first encountered him. He listened to Shannon’s story that day but wasn’t ready to change. Months passed. Then, just recently, he showed back up. Not broken but renewed. He came to tell our team that he is now in sober living, crediting that first touch on mo-
bile outreach as the spark of hope he needed to keep going. It is stories like his that remind us why we do what we do.
Brevard Campus Director, Sharlene Dewitz, expressed it perfectly: “I’m often asked ‘why do you do what you do’ or ‘how do you do what you do.’ We really need more people asking ‘why wouldn’t I? That’s my neighbor.’” She also shared a powerful example of the consistency of our mobile outreach. There was a Baby Boomer guest with a disability who knew that every Monday and Wednesday, our team stopped by her camp. One day, she wasn’t there, but she left a sign on a wet piece of cardboard that read she was away from her camp and that we shouldn’t worry. That simple gesture spoke volumes about the trust built between our teams and the people we serve. Today, that same guest is no longer living in a camp. She is housed in an apartment with a roommate, a powerful reminder of how persistence and presence open the door to hope.
Part of the way we build trust with our guests is by offering choices. Something as simple as being able to choose what you eat or drink restores a small piece of dignity. We carry peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but our guests choose strawberry or grape. We carry meat and cheese sandwiches, but our guests choose ham or turkey. During the hot months, when donors bless us with Gatorade, our guests choose their flavor. During the cold months, they choose between hot chocolate and coffee. These small decisions matter because they remind our guests
Our founder, Scott Billue, summed up what we hear again and again: “One thing we hear all the time is ‘you came back, you saw me, you know my name.’” That is the heart of our ministry- showing up. Not once, but consistently. Not just when it’s convenient, but when it matters most.
The heart behind it all is rooted in our namesake, Matthew 25:35-40: “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” That scripture drives us to keep serving, to keep showing up, to keep feeding and clothing and loving our neighbors. As Shannon also said, “for the cannot, will not, or should not come in, we do special orders.” Because at Matthew’s Hope, we are committed to meeting our neighbors where they are.
This episode of “Straight Talk, No B.S.” pulls back the curtain on our mobile work, but more importantly, it shines a light on the reality that these are our neighbors. They are grandmothers and grandfathers, college students, pregnant women, children and friends. And just as Christ has shown up for us, we will continue to show up for them.
If you’d like to hear more about the work happening in our community, listen to the full episode of the “Straight Talk, No B.S.” podcast. And if you feel called to help us continue showing up for our neighbors, we invite you to support Matthew’s Hope through prayer, volunteering, or donations. Together, we can keep providing hope, dignity, and love to those
In Central Florida, one of the fastest growing groups among the homeless population is also one of the most vulnerable: adults over the age of 55. Today, nearly 35% of the region’s homeless are seniors, a statistic that shows how the later years of life have become anything but secure.
For many, Social Security, disability benefits, and VA pensions were expected to provide a safety net. In today’s housing market, those benefits often fall short. Rent prices have soared across Central Florida, with landlords frequently requiring first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, and proof of monthly income that is three times the rent amount. For a senior living on a fixed income, often less than $1,200 a month, these requirements make housing out of reach. Even those who spent decades working, serving in the military, or raising families find themselves priced out and left with an impossible choice between paying for medicine, food, or shelter. Some of our Baby Boomers, who have been living in the same house most of their adult lives, have now been forced out due to rising insurance costs and taxes.
A major matter that exasperates the reality of our 55+ guests is the loss of a spouse. The trauma of be-
coming a widow or widower is deep enough, but the loss of dual income for the household can rub salt in the wound. In one instance, a woman who lost her husband, a veteran of 31 years, had her income drop by 75%. How is she supposed to live on that? How will she afford the life she had been living for 45 years?
For homeless seniors, the challenges of living without a stable place to stay are made worse by age. In their seventies, eighties, and even nineties, many are forced to endure circumstances that even younger people struggle with. Law enforcement or property owners often force encampments to relocate, leaving elderly men and women scrambling to gather their belongings in a matter of minutes to avoid trespassing charges or jail. Florida’s relentless summers bring heat indexes well over 100 degrees, and for seniors with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory conditions, the weather itself becomes life threatening. Without stable housing, medical appointments are missed, prescriptions cannot be stored safely or even filled, and health conditions that could be managed quickly become crises.
The sight is heartbreaking. An older man struggling with a walker while trying to move his few belongings, or a
grandmother in her late seventies searching for shade where she will not immediately be told to leave, has become far too common. These seniors are not statistics. They are veterans, retired workers, caregivers, and parents who once paid into the very systems that were designed to support them. Now, in their most vulnerable years, they find themselves left behind.
The rise of homelessness among seniors in Central Florida forces the community to ask difficult but necessary questions. How do we ensure that Social Security and disability benefits keep pace with the cost of living?
How do we create affordable housing solutions that do not leave seniors choosing between food and a roof? And most urgently, how do we extend compassion and practical support to those who are already on the streets, enduring impossible conditions?
Homelessness is not simply about finding shelter. It is not about making sure you have a hot cup of coffee. It is not about having ibuprofen for aches and pains. It is about survival. We MUST recognize the unique hardships faced by our elderly homeless population and respond with urgency, empathy, and a commitment to meaningful change.
ould Matthew’s Hope be the real Land of Misfit Toys? Scott Billue likes to think so. “I use that analogy often when I talk to people about what we do. When these men and women wash up on our shores, we greet every one of them with open arms and go from there.”
Much like the holiday classic, it’s become a place where everyone belongs. Here, belonging isn’t just a warm welcome—it’s a lifeline for those arriving with the weight of past hardships. The people Matthew’s Hope serves often carry heavy burdens: loss of a child, a spouse, a job, a medical disability, or mental and emotional instability.
“First of all,” Scott says, “we don’t call them homeless. When they’re with us, we call them guests. And every one of them has experienced trauma in some way.”
The first step toward helping guests become selfsustaining, contributing members of society is restoring their dignity. One guest once told Scott: You saw me. You heard me. You remembered my name. Scott smiles at the
memory. “It really is as simple as knowing people by their names. The biggest compliment I get is from visitors who say, Your staff and volunteers call everybody by name! Yes, we do. When people feel good about themselves, they’re more willing to take on life’s troubles. And that starts by recognizing them as a person. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s not as hard as people make it out to be.”
From there, the work does get harder—but the change is no less powerful. Matthew’s Hope helps mend what’s been broken through a robust program of education, hands-on training, and life skills. Guests learn everything from conflict resolution to interview techniques, woodworking, car mechanics, and retail operations. Each skill mastered, each goal achieved, builds confidence that the next challenge can be met.
“One guest worked with our medical team, went to school, got her Medical Assistance degree, and now she’s doing it for a
living. Jerry came to us with disfiguring bone cancer on his chin. He wore a mask to hide from the public. We got him the care he needed. He came in the other day with no mask and life in his eyes again. He said, ‘Thank you for a second chance at life.’
We helped another woman who loves to cook earn her ServeSafe Accreditation to be hired as a food handler.” All of it starts with getting to know people—seeing and hearing them, where others don’t. Literally calling them by name. Scott says, “We’re all misfits in one way or another. We’re no different than the people we serve, really. A bunch of broken people helping broken people.”
For more information
611 Business Park Blvd. #101 Winter Garden 407-905-9500 matthewshopeministries.org
But I Have a Job!
BY SHELLEY BRADFORD
It’s easy to ignore the homeless when we picture the man on the exit of the turnpike with the cardboard sign. We justify it with thoughts of “he should just get a job, there are plenty of jobs out there. He’s just going to use the money for drugs or alcohol”. However, the problem is much harder to ignore if we thought about the waitress in your favorite breakfast café, the theme park worker, the teacher, or even your child’s friend.
The waitress is working two jobs and still can’t make ends meet. She left her alcoholic husband who beat her and her kids up, but we’re upset because she brought us toast when we clearly asked for an English Muffin. “And really Sweet N Low, I asked for Equal. Everyone knows Sweet N Low has saccharine. I just can’t have it.” The combined minimum wage for tipped employees is $7.25 per hour. We sat in her booth for an hour, asked for 3 coffee refills and tipped her $2.00. I’ve actually been to Chamber of Commerce Networking meetings where people bring their own
identity is now “my son who works for Disney”. His friends and family come down once per month to play in the parks. Even though he’s not on vacation, he feels obligated to get them in the parks and play with them. Unfortunately, at $15 per hour, he can’t afford rent, his car lease, utilities, food and monthly trips to the parks (even with free admission). His credit card bills are mounting and now he has to make a choice between his rent or his car. He did just receive free movie tickets for a job well done.
son comes home and tells you about Bobby and your response is “his parents should make him take a shower”. Unfortunately, Bobby is living in a car with his mother who is working two jobs. Bobby stays in school all day because that’s his only safe place. He relies on school to get his meals.
Many of the Disney Cast members were recruited down to Florida on the Disney College Program. They fell in love with the magic of Disney and left the security of home for the “Happiest Place on Earth”. They were lured by the hopes of rising up the corporate ladder and free theme park tickets. Their whole
The average teacher in Florida makes $54,875. Florida ranks last among the 50 states. Your child’s teacher gets up early to educate our children and often stays late to tutor. Then she has to go home and grade papers or prepare for the next days lessons. We fail to even think for a second that Ms. Jones has her own complex story. We’re just upset because she still hasn’t entered the grades from Wednesday’s test. “What’s wrong with her! I need to know if Billy’s grade went from a ‘B’ to an ‘A’ so I can post on on social media how proud I am of him and get 27 Likes and 8 Great Job Billy comments”. Well Ms. Jones recently lost her husband in a car crash. Unfortunately, they had no life insurance and they were living in a house in Winter Garden that they could barely afford on two incomes, let alone one. They have two kids and now Ms. Jones has to figure out where they are going to live. Her monthly expenses are just too high and did I mention that she is often forced to buy her own school supplies?
Most of us don’t even want to imagine that there are homeless kids at our schools. But there are, it may even be one of your your child’s friends. Bobby is the smelly kid at school. Nobody wants to sit with him since...he smells. He is bullied and the kids make fun of him because...he smells. Your
One bedroom apartments in Central Florida are averaging $1500 per month. When you add in a car payment, gas, utilities, and food, total monthly expenses are around $2,750. At $15 per hour after tax take home pay is $2144. The working poor is already running a deficit of $600 per month. This is before adding on any form of entertainment. The credit card companies know this which is why they charge such high interest rates.
Matthew’s Hope has a Moving Forward Program which provides the working poor career support, money management guidance, and meetings with Financial Planners. The Moving Forward Program starts with helping the homeless guests meet their basic needs with food, clothing, and hygiene and ends with them matching $1000 that their guest has put into savings so they can achieve independent living. I have two “asks” in writing this article. My first is for all of us to do a better job of demonstrating compassion for the working poor. Please understand that there are people walking among us everyday who are dealing with issues. The homeless population does not just consist of men and women on the side of the street with a cardboard sign, but men, women, and children who are working everyday to serve us. My second ask is that you support Matthew’s Hope and their Moving Forward Program. For more information and to make a donation, please visit www.matthewshopeministries. org/moving-forward-program.
At Matthew’s Hope, we believe in a simple truth: our work is only possible
Many of our volunteers have been with us since the very beginning, their or making meals/sandwiches for our ministry? Please use the contact infor
WHEN HOME IS NOWHERE: FAMILIES AND CHILDREN FACING HOMELESSNESS IN OUR BACKYARDS
Nearly one out of every four people without housing in the region is part of a family. Imagine that. 24% of the homeless population are parents with children, struggling to hold their lives together in circumstances most of us can hardly imagine. During the 2021–2022 school year, 78,277 students in Florida identified as homeless. That number has not only continued to rise but has done so at a staggering pace. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of families with children experiencing homelessness in Florida jumped by 21.6%.
Behind these statistics are mothers, fathers, and children who spend their nights in cars, on park benches, or mov ing between makeshift camps. Others bounce from one friend’s couch to another, never knowing when they will be asked to leave. Some parents spend what little money they have on gym memberships, not for fitness, but so their children can take showers be fore showing up to school and trying to blend in with classmates.
At Matthew’s Hope, the faces behind these numbers are impossible to for get. Our youngest guest was only one week old, still fragile and innocent, yet already caught in a world of instabil ity. We see children of all ages walk through our doors, clutching toys, worn backpacks, or nothing at all; the parents doing their best to hold back tears as they ask for food, clothing, or simply a safe place to rest.
For many parents, the pain goes be yond exhaustion and hunger. They live with the daily fear that their
BY SARAH DEWITZ
children will be taken from them. With little or no support from the state, families are left vulnerable to the possibility of being reported to the Department of Children and Families. These parents are not neglectful or unwilling. They are doing everything in their power to provide for their children in a world where the wages from an average job in Florida no longer cover the most basic housing costs. It is difficult to measure the toll this crisis takes on children who try to learn while carrying the weight of homelessness on their shoulders. Some show up to school after restless nights in the backseat of a car. Others sit quietly in
children who are trying to grow, learn, and dream in impossible conditions. 24% of homeless families in Central Florida represent parents who are desperate to keep their children safe and together, yet are left without options. The 21.6% rise in family homelessness in just one year is a call that should not be ignored.
This is a crisis that is real, and it is here. It is happening in our neighborhoods, in our schools, and at our doorsteps. Families in Central Florida are holding on with everything they have, but without meaningful change, the weight of this crisis will contin
According to The Wallstreet Journal, the Trump Administration has cancelled the USDA’s Annual Hunger Survey. The government has been measuring food insecurity since the mid 1990s, but now says the report has become ‘overly politicized’.
“Matthew’s Hope has been supporting the homeless in our community for more than 15 years and I can tell you two things for certain. First, the homeless crisis in Central Florida continues grow year after year. Second, when a homeless guest comes to our ministry, I have never asked them whether they are a Democrat or Republican” stated Scott Billue, Matthew’s Hope, Founder and CEO. Scott continued, “Just because you stop counting, that won’t make the problem go away. It will only get worse”.
The decision to cancel the program comes at a time of rising food costs combined with recent cuts to Federal Food Assistance Program, like SNAP. While the decision to “stop counting” doesn’t directly effect Matthew’s Hope, it does mean the government will likely put less emphasis on helping those in our community who are less fortunate.
“Just because you stop counting, that won’t make the problem go away. It will only get worse.”
“There is definitely a trickle down effect. It is only a matter of time from when people in our community are denied food assistance to when they show up at our door step” stated Shelley Bradford, President, Matthew’s Hope. “Just ignoring the problem won’t make it go away”.
Matthew’s Hope needs your help. The fastest growing population of homeless individuals are Baby Boomers, young families, and people with disabilities. Please visit www.matthewshopeministries.org to learn more and make a donation.
At Matthew’s Hope, one of the most essential parts of what we offer our guests is something many of us take for granted every single day: a shower. On Tuesdays and Thursdays during outreach, showers are not optional. They are required, because we believe in helping restore dignity, hope, and (let’s be honest) cutting down on the B.O. too. But beyond the light-hearted joke is a serious truth. For someone living outside, a shower is about much more than getting the dirt from under your fingernails. It’s about being seen, valued, and given the chance to feel human again.
The process begins the moment our guests walk through the doors. They check in at the front desk with our volunteers, who welcome them with kindness. Each guest is given a clear bag for their toiletries or clean clothes from our clothing and hygiene pantry. Many of our guests hold tightly to the few belongings they have, so when laundry services are offered, it means they don’t have to give up the shirts, pants, or jackets that possibly carry sentimental weight or just fit perfectly. The opportunity to clean and keep these items gives them comfort and a sense of continuity in a life full of uncertainty.
If more supplies are needed, guests can stop by our shopping kiosks, where volunteers carefully gather what they request for the day. It’s a small act
that says, “You matter enough for us to meet your needs.” After this, guests wait patiently for their names to be called for showers. The anticipation is palpable. Something as simple as running water and soap is not guaranteed in their everyday lives, and for many, these showers are the highlight of their week.
When their turn comes, guests are greeted warmly by both volunteers and Moving Forward participants. Together, they provide towels, wash cloths, and the shopping order that was prepared earlier. Guests are then guided to a shower stall where they finally have privacy, comfort, and a safe space to let the water wash away not only dirt but also the heaviness of living without shelter. Each shower area includes a handicap stall for those who need additional space, and every stall contains two chairs for those who may not have the strength to stand long. One of our favorite things to hear while the showers are running is the guests showing off their singing voices. These small details reflect a big truth: we see our guests as individuals with unique needs, and we honor them by preparing for those needs in advance while keeping their personalities and spirits alive.
“At Matthew’s Hope, a shower is about more than soap and water — it’s about dignity, hope, and the chance to feel human again.”
When the showers are over, guests return their towels to be washed, check
out, and sometimes finish up with other personal hygiene needs. Many stand at the basins, shaving, brushing their teeth, or carefully combing their hair. Women will often pause to put on a little makeup, a small act of self-care that means more than words can express. For some, it is the first time in weeks they feel like themselves again. What follows is just as important. After showers, guests can receive a hot meal, take home pantry goods, or take advantage of other services like haircuts or manicures. These experiences build upon the dignity restored in the shower. Clean clothes, clean skin, and a full stomach create a foundation for hope, and hope is at the center of everything we stand for.
The showers may seem like a small piece of what we do, but for our guests, they represent so much more. They represent compassion when the world has turned its back. They represent community when isolation feels overwhelming. They represent a reminder that even in the hardest of circumstances, people still care enough to help.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, we see it happen. Guests arrive weary, weighed down by the hand they’ve been dealt. They leave refreshed, standing taller, smiling wider, and carrying with them the assurance that they matter. That is the power of a shower at Matthew’s Hope. It is dignity, encouragement, and the chance to move forward.
Produced by Jon Burket
CAN YOU HELP?
MY FAVORITE TUTOR ASSISTS MATTHEW’S HOPE MINISTRIES
CHANGE GUESTS LIVES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
“Are you available to teach some challenging math to Gage?” There was an opportunity that came my way to use my best test prep skills that I gained as an SAT test coach to help someone quickly so that he could meet his GED
pay rent. Despite the differences in their situations, both men found a path forward through education”.
From my perspective, guests at Matthew’s Hope could be any of us. People find themselves unhoused and in desperate situations for all sorts of reasons. How quickly can that happen? For some it could be a paycheck away, if the job closes or illness hits. What have I seen at the shelter that surprised me? Young children and families that were waiting in line for a meal. Elderly… just trying to survive. All kinds of people are working together to run the facility for themselves, from laundry services to learning a trade in the center’s workshops. The vibe there is hope.
There are some very brave people trying to rise - against all odds - and they decide to take on something really hard: earning their GED. For them, a GED is a chance to qualify for Orange County Technical School’s trade programs for a path forward. Gage has now passed his GED and is studying electrical and David has passed his GED with eyes on HVAC. Today I am working on grant funding to make sure that necessary study materials and adequate education resources are always available for the Matthew’s Hope guests that need it. Who will I help next?
Teresa Raphael, MS Ed., ESE trtutor@gmail.com
I have the privilege of being the Mental Health Advocate for Matthew’s Hope Ministries Brevard. Having been born in Rockledge, Florida and living in Central Brevard County all 60 plus years of my life, this community means the world to me, and I am honored to help the people of my community.
I have served as a Counselor since 1993 in many areas including Department of Juvenile Justice, Behavior Modification and Women’s Addiction, Opioid Substance Abuse, HIV and Hepatitis and now the homeless community.
After retiring in 2023 to care for my homebound mother, I decided I needed to find an activity that I loved to give me an outlet. Matthew’s Hope was my first stop! I knew this was an organization that was going above and beyond for God’s people. I too have a personal mission to help God’s people. I had no idea how this new opportunity was going to bless me while I was trying to be a blessing to others.
My first 10 guests that requested to have sessions with me all had Grief & Loss issues. I had no idea how many people were on the streets grieving unimaginable pain and loss. As I began to help these individuals, I realized it was the healing I needed as well. I had just loss my dad to Bladder Cancer prior to coming to Matthew’s Hope to work. Because of caring for my mom, I had never properly grieved. God was healing me through these beautiful Guests. We were helping each other.
This assignment to Matthew’s Hope was strategically designed by God just for me! I am better than blessed daily, as I am helping guests evolve to their best selves. Over the past year and a half, I have tried to go above and beyond to help as many of our guests as I can. Many of these individuals have found themselves in situations beyond their control.
As a person of a particular age, it is painful to see so many senior adults on the streets without any assistance from family. I am thankful daily for having a loving caring family and having had that love instilled in me to take care of others.
I recently had a guest that is 64 years old, was self-employed, and has taken early Retirement. His social security benefits could no longer cover the cost of his rising rent. It had escalated from $500 to $2000 a month. He is now living in his car with no living relatives around. Then there’s a guest whose husband committed suicide and 2 months later her son overdosed and
assistance with housing, and feeling better and back to living independently.
We have mental health sessions available to our outreach guests every Tuesday and Thursday. Also, sessions are available by appointment only on other days. It depends on the individual needs of our guests. We are willing to always do the extra work to help them, help themselves.
As a former teacher, and being a Christian counselor, I am always looking for creative ways to reach and teach our guests. We do Individual Action Plans for each one and set attainable individual goals. Trying our best to make it an enjoyable experience.
died. She has mentally checked out, and did not get the needed help now she’s on the streets. Not to mention those with diagnosed mental disorders that are living on the streets with no medications or assistance.
In the past 6 months, myself and our Medical Team have helped transport several guests with mental health issues to either Circles of Care in Melbourne, Fl or Palm Point Behavioral Center in Titusville, Fl. It is the love and care we have for each of our guests that makes us go above and beyond. We try our absolute best to treat each Guest with the utmost dignity and grace. Getting these people off the streets and getting the proper medications they need. One of the guest that requested help for Drug/Alcohol Addiction went to rehabilitation, has completed his care, got
Matthew’s Hope Ministries offers so much more than you can imagine. It is such an honor to be on the inside watching and being a vital part of helping people better themselves.
Our mental health is affected daily by everyday life. For a moment just imagine being outside in the elements during the hottest days, heaviest rain, mosquitoes and other bugs, alligators and raccoons, feeling hungry with no food, thirsty with no water, sick without medication and you have multiple personalities and each of them are angry! These are some of the people we see and care for. Sometimes just knowing someone cares makes all the difference.
I have lived in this community all my life and never have I seen any other Ministry do the services that Matthew’s Hope does or as efficiently as Matthew’s Hope does it. Of course, there are many that have taken advantage of coming and touring the campus. If you have not had the opportunity to tour and learn firsthand what we offer, please take advantage of taking a tour. You will be amazed for sure and hopefully touched to volunteer your time or make a donation.
