611 Business Park Blvd, St. 101. Winter Garden, FL 34787
Mon-Friday: 8-4 Saturday: 8-2
Brevard County Outreach Center 825 Forrest Avenue Cocoa FL 32922 Mon-Friday: 8-4 Saturday: 8-2
Orange County Hope Chest Store
1027 S Dillard St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Monday- Saturday: 10am-4pm
Brevard County Hope Chest Store
830 Forrest Avenue Cocoa, FL 32922
Brevard County Trinity Oaks 825 Forrest Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922
Courtney@Trinityoaksvenues.org
Phone: (321) 514-6215
This past December, Matthew’s Hope hosted Polar Express at our Brevard Campus. As the snow fell, a smile came across my face. I watched as hundreds of families enjoyed the festivities that included a train, movie, hot cocoa, and a visit with Santa. However, the smile across my face was different from the ones we witnessed on each child. My smile was because for one night, the community did not see Matthew’s Hope as a homeless outreach. Thanks to our events coordinator, Courtney and her team at Trinity Oaks, Matthew’s Hope was converted into a winter wonderland.
The people serving hot chocolate to our guests at Polar Express were not “bums who needed to get a job”, it was Liz, Chris, Mike, Clinton, and Jerry. They each have their own story and are working hard to build a life of self-sustainability. In this issue you’ll learn about our campaign, “Have You Ever Met Someone Who Was Homeless?” You will also meet Liz, who is "seeing hope again” thanks to Matthew’s Hope. Liz had severe cataracts and lost her job at port Canaveral. Now thanks to Matthew’s Hope and donors like you, Liz can see! Not only that, Liz earned enough points through our Moving Forward. Program that she lives in transitional housing.
This December, we also remembered our neighbors. Matthew’s Hope gathered with community members as we mourned more than 80 individuals who died in 2025. Over half of those remembered were
Matthew’s Hope guests. Each candle that was lit represented a name, story, and a relationship that mattered.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work at Matthew’s Hope? Taylor writes about working as a receptionist and a Mobile Advocate in Orange County. At the front desk, she often meets people on their hardest days. Many come in tired, frustrated, or unsure of where to go next. Sometimes they just need information or direction. Other times, they just need someone to listen.
She’s learned that small things matter more than we realize, remembering someone’s name, greeting them with kindness, and making eye contact can remind our guests that they are seen, known, and valued. We can all learn something from Taylor. As Matthew’s Hope enters 2026, we will continue to be proactive. Our new buses will offer overnight shelter for up to 20 individuals in both Orange and Brevard counties. The goal is to provide temporary relief, but with intentional structure, enough stability to connect someone to the next right step. We want to be at the forefront of the change we want to see in the communities we live in. 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 being treated with dignity, love, compassion.
Let us continue to move forward together and be the change we all want to see in our communities.
Have You Ever Met Someone That Was Homeless?
Marc Jablon
You probably have; you just don’t know their story. The truth is despite what most people think, it’s not the “dirty man” holding the sign as you exit I4. They are parents, veterans, students, neighbors, and artists. Behind every face there is a story, we just must be willing to listen.
This year Matthew’s Hope is launching a campaign, “Have You Ever Met Someone Who Was Homeless?”
The campaign has two goals:
1. We want to break the stigma that every homeless person is a lazy drug addict begging for money so they can get their next fix;
2. Raise money so we can provide your neighbors with food, resources, and support that will change lives.
Matthew’s Hope believes that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Through care,
connection, and community, we want to create real pathways for our guests out of homelessness. Sometimes it’s as simple as a bus ticket home, other times it requires more complex solutions such as medical care and job training. The bottom line is that every individual has a different story and unique circumstances… and they need our help.
“I never forget where I came from” stated Scott Billue, Founder & CEO. “I was homeless and desperate. I want to provide each of our guests all the services the need in order to live a life of
Matthew's Hope fosters the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the homeless men, women, and children of our community by meeting basic needs, developing skills, and restoring dignity and independence.
Look at the bottom of the page for people you may have met who experienced homelessness.
Thanks to Matthew’s Hope, they are “Moving Forward” and that’s something to smile about in 2026!
Don’t Worry,
We won't tell
By Marc Jablon
For the last two years Trinity Oaks has been hosting incredible events at Matthew’s Hope Ministries in Cocoa, FL. So why is a homeless ministry operating an event venue? The answer is quite simple. When you have a beautiful campus in Cocoa, FL
The revenue generated from booking the facilities helps offset the ongoing cost of operations.
“The additional revenue received from booking events could not have come at a stated Shelley Bradford, President, Matthew’s Hope.
“As costs go up across the board, the additional monies received for booking the
PLUS, we have an amazing event planner, Courtney, on staff who helps Matthew’s Hope put on amazing fundraisers like the Speakeasy and Polar Express. Our picturesque venue offers the perfect setting for your dream event, whether it be a breathtaking wedding ceremony, a corporate function, or a celebratory gathering with loved ones…so feel free to contact us for your next event. Your secret is safe, we promise.
Venue packages include the Ceremony Sanctuary, Courtyard, Reception Hall, and Bridal Suites. Trinity Oaks has assembled a list of preferred vendors from caterers, florists, live entertainment, and so much more. For more information about Trinity Oaks, please contact Courtney at courtney@trinityoaksvenues.org.
Seeing hope again:
Matthew’s Hope helps woman rebuild life after homelessness.
Meghan Moriarty, Wesh 2
You can find Liz Jasukow spending her days at Matthew’s Hope in Brevard County. She typically wears a big smile while working to help families in need.
But one year ago, her life looked very different.
“I became homeless. I had very severe cataracts. I couldn’t see. I was a security guard at the port. I couldn’t do my job anymore,” Jasukow said. “It just — it got terrible. And then my son died, and I had a mental … I love my kids. Nobody ever wants to lose their kids.”
She found Matthew’s Hope and became a Moving Forward Program guest. By assisting at the nonprofit, she earns points, backed by real dollars, that can
be used toward necessities such as transitional housing.
“I help them. They help me. Now, I’m housed. I’m safe. I feel like I have a purpose again,” Jasukow said. “My reason for living has come back.”
Until this October, she never mentioned her secret: She could barely see.
“When we discovered Liz holding her phone up to her face, we were like, she can’t see,” said Scott Billue. “She explained to me that what she saw when she spoke to someone — it reminded her of just a thumb.”
Billue, Matthew’s Hope CEO, said the organization facilitated her surgery and aftercare.
"When I restored my vision, it was like meeting all these people for the very first time all over again,” Jasukow said.
She now has a new appreciation for life.
“If you are going through a difficult time and if you think about suicide, don’t do it, because God put you here for a reason,” Jasukow said.
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Remembering our Neighbors
By Sarah Dewitiz
On December 16, 2025, Matthew’s Hope Ministries gathered with community members, partners, staff, and guests for a candlelight vigil honoring the lives of men and women who experienced homelessness and passed away during the year. The memorial service served as a time of remembrance, reflection, and shared grief, while also uniting the community around compassion and awareness.
It began and ended with music, a unifying art that helps us all process emotions. Many guests were singing along to “How Great Thou Art”, which left no eye dry in the Sanctuary. Prayers and scripture were shared by the
Sharlene Dewitz, the Brevard Campus Director, shared the poem “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep”. The moments were entangled in the meaning of Psalm 147:3-4, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name”
During the service, the names of more than 80 individuals who died in 2025 were read aloud. Over half of those remembered had been guests at Matthew’s Hope, people known by name, story, and relationship. Each candle lit represented a life that mattered and a person who is deeply missed. Ages ranged from 17 to 85, underscoring how homelessness impacts individuals
day. Many chose to stay and take had known as family, while the together to remember neighbors
For 44 of the individuals, a cause of death was known. Medical and natural causes accounted for 32%. Overdose was the leading cause at 36%. Three individuals lost their lives after being struck by vehicles. Two individuals died by suicide. Three were victims of homicide. Among those remembered were six veterans who had served their country. The percentage of deaths related to overdose does not define these individuals by addiction. Rather, it reflects the painful reality that many people turn to selfmedicating when mental health care, trauma support, and consistent medical services are not available or accessible.
Without timely help and ongoing support, coping mechanisms can become dangerous, leading to outcomes that no one should face alone.
The vigil also included remarks from community leaders who have long been engaged in addressing homelessness in Brevard County. Amber Carroll of the Brevard Homeless Coalition shared words of remembrance and spoke to the importance of continued collaboration and compassion in serving the most vulnerable. Mayor Connors of
Titusville also addressed those gathered, acknowledging the lives lost and reaffirming the shared responsibility to care for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
As names were spoken and candles illuminated the Sanctuary, the weight of each loss was deeply felt. Many in attendance had shared meals, conversations, and moments of connection with those being honored. The memorial provided space for mourning while also acknowledging the difficult realities faced by individuals living without stable housing, access to healthcare, and long term support. Matthew’s Hope attempts to bridge the gap for these individuals, but more help is needed for those who need the extra support.
December 16th served as both a day of mourning and a call to awareness. Each life honored reflected the urgency of
expanding access to mental health care, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing the work to prevent future loss.
Matthew’s Hope Ministries remains committed to honoring those who have passed by continuing to serve those still in need, ensuring that every person is seen, valued, and remembered.
“Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle Autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die”
Candles were lit to honor the lives of men and women who experienced homelessness and passed away during the year.
36% Passed from Overdose, 32% Passed from natural causes. 2 Individuals passed from suicide. 3 Individuals were victims of homicide.
COMMUNITY COMPASSION
The Power of Community Partnerships at Matthew’s Hope
By Sarah Dewitz
At Matthew’s Hope Ministries, lasting change is made through collaboration, trust, and a community willing to step forward together. Serving individuals experiencing homelessness requires many hands working toward a shared goal. Our mission to offer dignity, restoration, and a
Community partnerships allow Matthew’s Hope to address needs in a complete and meaningful way. From medical care and financial education to safe facilities and transitional housing, these relationships help ensure that the individuals we serve are supported at every stage of their journey.
Community partnerships are not only about helping others, though that is the main focus. They also provide free
Sponsorship opportunities are always available, between our busses, fundraisers, and everything in between. Our social media following has just reached over 30K, and the numbers keep growing. How amazing is it to support a good cause and also get recognized by people in the area?
A vital partnership in this work is with Island Direct Primary Care and Dr. John Rothwell. Dr. Rothwell provides medical support during outreach events, offering compassionate and
accessible care directly to those in need. He also serves our Moving Forward Guests off property, providing continued medical support as individuals work toward stability and independence. Dr. Rothwell, a former combat medic, understands high risk injuries, lack of sleep and it’s toll on an individual, and meeting people where they’re at. When speaking on the stigmas surrounding homelessness, he said “come out and see for yourself. We challenge you to come out, we need help… love solves the problem. They didn’t ask to be [in their situation]”.
Consistent access to healthcare plays an important role in helping guests focus on employment, healing, and long term goals. Dr. Rothwell and his team are dedicated to the mission of Matthew’s Hope.
Another key partnership is with Johnny Wiedmann of Wiedmann Construction and Roofing, a third generation family owned roofing company serving Brevard County Florida. When Matthew’s Hope first purchased our campus, the property had been vacant for six years and had endured Florida hurricanes and extreme heat. When speaking about the cam pus, Johnny said “seeing all that weep right in front of us was devastating and then to see this breath of life put back into it, especially with a mission like Matthew’s Hope has- and to be part of that, that’s the coolest part”.
Johnny and his team provided the skilled support needed to restore the campus and bring the space back into safe working condition for ministry use. Wiedmann Construction and Roofing also built a brand new shower building for Matthew’s Hope, providing a dignified and essential resource for our guests. Today, Johnny and his team continue their commitment by working on the roof for our upcoming on-site transitional housing, helping expand our ability to offer our guests the opportunity to move forward.
Financial education is another important component of independence and self-sustainability. This is made possible through our partnership with Launch Credit Union. Elisa Falcon, representing Launch, provides budgeting and life skills education to our Moving Forward Guests. These classes equip individuals with practical tools to manage finances, plan for the future, and build confidence as they prepare for independent living. Launch also comes onto property during outreach to help educate our other guests on opening accounts, money management, and other vital skills. Darlene Montano of Launch detailed, “The work being done at Matthew’s Hope is truly inspiring and Launch Credit Union is honored to be actively involved in supporting their mission. From our Community Financial Education Coordinator, Elisa Falcon,
workshops at the Cocoa campus, we meet people where they are and provide guidance, encouragement, and financial education. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of those in our community.”
Each partnership reflects the strength of a community united around compassion and action. Matthew’s Hope Ministries is deeply grateful for partners who walk alongside us and invest their time, resources, and expertise into the lives of those we serve. Through these
What does Hope for the New Year Look Like When You're Homeless?
By Sarah Dewitz
For many people, a New Year’s resolution is an exercise in optimism. It is a chance to reflect, set goals, and imagine improvements built on an already stable foundation. Common resolutions focus on health, finances, careers, or personal growth. They assume access to time, money, safety, and choice. At Matthew’s Hope, we decided to ask a few of our guests what their hopes were for 2026.
For someone experiencing homelessness, the new year does not begin with a clean slate. It begins with uncertainty. Life without stable housing narrows the focus to immediate needs, leaving little room for long-term planning. Each day brings practical concerns that most people never have to consider. Where to sleep. How to stay safe. How to find food, water, and rest. These questions do not disappear with a change in the calendar. As our guest Heather said plainly, “I hope to find a safe place to camp without being trespassed.”
Resolutions for someone without a home are often grounded in necessity rather than ambition. Financial goals also take on a different meaning. When we asked Leslie what his resolution was, he jokingly stated “to win that 1-billion-dollar lotto.” The
fact of the matter is that Leslie used to have his own house down the shore in New Jersey with a very successful painting business. He’s even told us he used to have a patent on a type of semi-gloss that is still used to this day. However, along with being unhoused, he has lost most of his vital documents. This means no proof of ownership, no royalties, nothing.
Employment and education, though frequently viewed as solutions, are complicated by barriers such as lack of transportation, limited access to hygiene, and the absence of a permanent address. These challenges are structural, not personal failures. Our guest Wayne told us he hopes to go to college. But without the ability to get his high school transcripts or back and forth to campus, it is simply just a dream. Matthew’s Hope is here to help Wayne fulfill that dream. We have already helped David, a Moving Forward Guest, start his education. His resolution is to make sure he finishes school strong.
Health further shapes what a resolution can realistically look like. Exposure to the elements, poor nutrition, and chronic stress contribute to worsening physical conditions. Mental health struggles are common and often
untreated. For some, a resolution is to attend medical appointments, manage medication, or continue recovery. Our long-time guest Miss Vera said she wants to get her heart in better shape and still be around with us for another year. Our medical staff has helped Vera maintain her health in more ways than one.
The emotional weight of a new year is also different. Public celebrations and messages of fresh starts can unintentionally reinforce feelings of exclusion. For someone experiencing homelessness, the new year may highlight loss, strained relationships, or time that feels wasted. A resolution might be rebuilding trust with family, reconnecting with loved ones, or holding onto the belief that change is still possible.
Jesse wants to see her daughter again. She uses our landline every outreach day to call her and send her love. Katie, another Moving Forward Guest, wants to see her mother again, whom she hasn’t seen in almost 2 years.
Hope, though often quiet, remains central. Hope that housing options will open. Hope that support systems will respond. Hope that stability will eventually replace uncertainty. Being seen and treated with
dignity can make the difference between giving up and moving up.
Recognizing these realities matters. Conversations about resolutions and success often overlook the unequal conditions people face. Progress should be measured in context. Taking a step forward while carrying the
weight of homelessness requires resilience and determination that often go unnoticed.
A New Year’s resolution is ultimately about possibility. For someone experiencing homelessness, possibility begins with access to basic needs and consistent support. When those foundations are in place, survival
can shift toward stability, and stability can allow space for goals that resemble those many others take for granted. Creating that opportunity is not just an individual effort, but a shared responsibility rooted in compassion and understanding.
Hear From Our Guests
Jacob
My New Year's Resolution
""My hopes for the new year are to further my education and to succeed at Matthews Hope."
George
My New Year's Resolution
"A place to live, my health back and a car again, and a job."
David
My New Year's Resolution
"My hopes for 2026 are to finish school and graduate from Matthews Hope."
David
My New Year's Resolution
"That my heart doctor tells me to "go back home cause you're fine." "
Katie
My New Year's Resolution
"My hopes for the new year are to continue being here at Matthew's Hope, work in the program, grow my relationship with my higher power and hopefully being able to see my mom."
Mr. Gray
My New Year's Resolution
"In 2026 I'm trying to find affordable housing."
Faces of Hope
At Matthew's Hope Ministries, our mission comes to life through people. Every board member, volunteer, guest, and staff member plays a vital role in creating a community rooted in compassion, dignity, and hope. This page celebrates the individuals who serve, lead, grow, and walk alongside us, each story reflecting the heart of Matthew's Hope Ministries and the power of love in action.
Chris Adams
Brevard Advisory Board
I have had the distinct honor and opportunity to serve the public in the hospitality industry for 40 years. My career has afforded me chances to mentor and develop a number of individuals who have moved into significant roles within the hospitality space as well. My passion is helping others . Matthews Hope offers hope and empathy to numerous people who simply need someone who cares as they navigate towards a better season. I live by the creed, "We create a better community by helping one person at a time. Lift each other up so that all may rise!"
Wiedmann Construction & Roofing
Community Partner
Johnny Wiedmann may be the face of Wiedmann Construction and Roofing, but the company is defined by its people and purpose. Built on more than 75 years of family experience, Wiedmann operates with intention, integrity, and pride in doing the job right. A close-knit team— spanning operations, finance, customer care, and creative storytelling— works side by side to serve homeowners with honesty and heart while uplifting the community through meaningful partnerships like Matthew’s Hope. Guided by legacy and driven by service, Wiedmann continues to build trust and make a lasting impact across the Space Coast.
Theresa Lonoza, BSN-RN, CM Nurse
Theresa lived in Chicago, Illinois 35 years before moving to Florida where she, her husband and 23 year old son have now lived for 9 years. She brings over 3 decades of dedicated nursing experience in medical-surgical, orthopedics, SNF Rehab, utilization management and complex chronic care management. Theresa had a sister that at 45 years old who sadly became homeless. Theresa's sister suffered a hemorrhagic cerebral aneurysm that ended her life. Ever since losing her sister, Theresa was drawn into helping the homeless. Theresa started as a volunteer at Matthews Hope then was offered a full time position. Now Theresa has been with Matthews Hope almost 3 years and the rest is history. When not caring for Matthews Hope guests, Theresa enjoys exploring pickleball opportunities with her husband, and son as well as her church friends. She is perfecting her cooking and baking skills for the housing guests, volunteers and staff of Matthews Hope.
Faces of Hope
Laura Hodapp Volunteer
Linda Chencinski Volunteer
I was born on Long Island, NY, and lived there until retiring and moving to Florida. My professional background is in gymnastics; I owned two gyms before transitioning into administration for USA Gymnastics, where I served as the National Chairman for Women and judged at the Olympic and World Championship levels. When we moved to Winter Garden, I noticed several social media posts requesting assistance for Matthew’s Hope. After donating clothing, we realized the significant scale of the organization and inquired about volunteering. Since we started, we have seen the number of homeless guests rise from an average of 60 to over 100. I look forward to every outreach day; we laugh together and share our stories. I am deeply committed to this mission and cannot think of anything else I would rather be doing.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Laura has lived in Titusville since 2022. A BSN, RN since 1984, she brings over 42 years of nursing experience, including work in cardiology and gastroenterology. She began volunteering with the Matthew’s Hope Health Clinic in January 2024 after meeting Scott at a Cocoa Village craft fair, where he encouraged her to get involved. She and her husband, Joe, have two grown children who live in St. Louis. In her free time, she enjoys reading, creating latch-hook pillows and diamond art, watching rocket launches together, and visiting her family.
Katie Mitchell Guest
My name is Katie Mitchell. I'm 38 years old. I grew up in Northern Kentucky right outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. I have a bachelor's degree in communications and a long history of working for Kroger corporate in Cincinnati for 17 years. A year and a half ago right after the death of my father, I found myself homeless living in a tent in the woods and in West Cocoa, Florida. I had been to Matthew's hope in Brevard County and always had a very pleasant experience. I was excited and grateful to find MH in Orange County.I LOVE Matthew's Hope. MH is an extraordinary operation and organization that holds a very special place in my heart. Every person, every staff member, volunteer and fellow Housing Guest has touched my heart in some beautiful way. I am beyond blessed and honored to be a part of something so special. I've found a home at Matthew's Hope.
A hot shower. Clean clothes. A hearty meal. And now? And now…
TO ALL, A GOODNIGHT
At Matthew’s Hope, our guests find more than shelter—they find rest, dignity, and unconditional love. After days and nights of exhaustion and anxiety, a safe place to sleep means everything. Although Matthew's Hope is not homeless shelter, during severe weather conditions Matthew's Hope opens it's doors and it's hearts to serve our neighbors during times of need.
My Uncle Bob
I can’t tell you why, but homeless people have always had a piece of my heart. When people would speak about homeless people unkindly it never made sense to me. To my surprise, this even happened at church. I believed from a very young age that God saw us all as his children, including the homeless. I wanted to help them and take care of them. My parents didn’t understand my compassion towards the homeless community, and truthfully, I can’t explain it to this day. Why do I consider the homeless as “my people” and why did God give me a passion to care for this population? I think about them all the time, look for them when I am out and about town. When I know one of them is sick, I worry about them as if they are one of my children.
What I do know is this, if you’ve met one homeless person, you’ve met one homeless person. Let me explain. Just like everyone else, no two people are the same. If life has taught me anything is that we are all individuals and that is true for everyone. I have met military veterans, executives, intellectuals, blue collar workers, nurses, college professors, real
Shelley Bradford
estate agents and family members. All who have found themselves homeless. I could name many more.
Speaking of family members, let me tell you about Uncle Bob, MY Uncle Bob. When I was 14 years old, Uncle Bob came to visit us from Michigan. He was a veteran and a plumber by trade from what I remember being told. He was also very handsome and from a teenager’s point of view, he was the fun uncle. Uncle Bob was recently separated from his wife, and he did not want a divorce, I remember this so clearly. He had 2 daughters, which meant I had 2 cousins I’d never met. He spent several weeks “visiting” our family, living life beside us. I didn’t understand it at the time, but he wore out his welcome as many of our homeless guests do and my dad sent him on his way. I do not know for sure if my dad knew at the time that Uncle Bob was homeless, I wish I could ask my dad. Many years later, I found out he was homeless and came to Texas to visit family looking for a place to land. We found out at my grandmother’s funeral, Uncle Bob died on the streets of Niles Michigan, homeless and alone.
Maybe my experience with Uncle Bob gave me the compassion I have today for “my people”. I do know that I didn’t realize that Uncle Bob was homeless. What I also know is God places things on your heart that you can’t always explain. Although as years go by, things get revealed to you as to maybe I was being prepared for such a time as this.
Working with the homeless is not easy, none of it. Especially when you see the hurt and weariness in people’s eyes. “I know very easily that person
THANK YOU!
WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP (DID YOU EXPECT A DIFFERENT MESSAGE?)
Thank you. That simple phrase doesn’t begin to capture the magnitude of our gratitude for your support in 2025. At Matthew’s Hope, we don't just see numbers; we see faces. And it’s because of your generosity that we’re able to look those faces in the eye and offer a path forward. We have been seeing a significant increase in the number of people seeking our help, especially the first-time homeless baby boomers and young families with children, making your ongoing support more critical than ever. This past
BY SCOTT BILLUE
do is gratefully received. This allows for us to better budget, especially during the slower summer months of giving. In addition, it allows you to budget your support for our mission, which seems more essential by the day.
We finished 2025 with our annual campaign, Gifts of Hope, which collects new, unwrapped toys/gifts for local families and essential cold weather supplies for our guests living in the elements. This past year, we served almost 500 local children aged 0-17, and we couldn’t meet this growing need without your support.
This past year we were extremely proud of our team who put on several successful events including Polar Express, “Mobsters and Money”, which proudly won the Best Charity Event of 2024, the Orange County Speakeasy which won Best of the Best from The Local, Paint the Town Purple 5K (which quickly turned into a successful 2K when the Indian River overflowed), and Giving on the
Over the course of the past 16 years, Matthew's Hope Ministries has taken on massive growth, which has increased our
opportunities to serve the homeless men, women, and families of Central Florida. When I founded Matthew's Hope, it was with the intention of getting homeless residents and families back on their feet and off the streets. That critical mission still holds true today.
Matthew’s Hope Ministries has been leading the fight against homelessness in Central Florida. What started as a small ministry handing out socks in Winter Garden, now has become a full blown 501C Not for Profit with a $15 Million Annual budget. Our services include food, clothing and hygiene pantries, showers, a hair salon, laundry service, medical and mental healthcare clinics, job training, and even a pre-school.
It’s ironic that what started as a temporary freeze warning shelter for the homeless during dangerously cold weather conditions has rapidly expanded multiple times over the years. Just recently, Matthew's Hope has had to open it's doors again after multiple recent cold snaps”. I have no doubt we will need to do it again, as it is now illegal to sleep outside in Florida. Let’s let that sink in for a second…just imagine being cold wet, tired and then you get arrested for falling
asleep outside. And the only answer when asking, "where can I go?" the answer is always, “Not Here”. Seriously! Not here is not an answer!
Over the last 16 years, Matthew’s Hope services have expanded in Orange and Brevard Counties to include two Montessori Preschools, two Hope Chest Workshops, and multiple transitional housing units. Thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers of Matthew's Hope; we now have 5 mini Buses and 5 mobile outreach teams serving in 19 municipalities, and by summer-time we will have 4 Sleeper Buses on the Road.
All the growth that Matthew's Hope Ministries has experienced over the years wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners. My sincere wish is that there was no need for Matthew’s Hope. While I'm proud of our team and the community who continues to support our mission, it is my prayer that one day, our services won’t be needed. A place to sleep, a warm meal, and some dignity is not a huge ask for our homeless guests.
Know this… Our growth is due to necessity not ambition. The fastest growing segments of homelessness in Central Florida are Baby Boomers and young families. They simply can’t afford to live in this economy.
In closing I would like to share this, according to our most recent independent audit, 87% of all Matthew’s Hope funding goes towards services. Meaning that our donors, or our “investors” as I like to call them, can feel confident that the funds are going to a great place and will be used for the purpose of moving homeless guests forward toward a life of independence. Please visit MatthewsHopeMinistries.org to listen to our weekly award winning Podcast, “Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope”, volunteer, or schedule a tour to learn more about our programs, and donate. I am forever grateful for your continued support.
Blessings!
Scott Billue, Founder
By Taylor Ball
Working at Matthew’s Hope Ministries has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. As the receptionist and Mobile Advocate in Orange County, I get to walk alongside our homeless guests every day, often at moments when they feel unseen or unheard. Being on the front lines has taught me that simply showing up, with compassion and consistency, can make a real difference.
At the front desk, I meet people on some of their hardest days. Many come in tired, frustrated, or unsure of where to go next. Sometimes they just need information or direction. Other times, they just need someone to listen. I’ve learned that small things matter more than we realize, remembering someone’s name, greeting them with kindness, and making eye contact can remind our guests that they are seen, known, and valued.
Being the Orange County Mobile Advocate takes that same heart into the community. Out on the streets, something as simple as looking someone in the eyes, greeting them by name, and saying “good morning” can completely change their day. Many of our guests are used to being ignored or told to move along, so being acknowledged as a person, not a problem, means a lot. Remembering their names helps build trust, and over time
those small moments turn into real conversations and real relationships.
Working this closely with our guests has changed how I see homelessness. Every person has a different story, and there’s no single solution that fits everyone. What I do see consistently, though, is resilience. Even in the middle of incredibly hard circumstances, our guests show strength, humor, gratitude, and hope.
I’m incredibly thankful to be part of a ministry that leads with compassion and meets people where they are. Matthew’s Hope creates space for dignity, grace, and genuine connection, and I’m grateful to be part of that every day. Being able to walk alongside our guests, even in small ways, and remind them that they matter is something I’ll never take for granted.
Want to make an impact? Learn how you can use your time and talents to contribute to our cause.
