FALL 2026
Why We Serve CHANGING LIVES TODAY FOR A STRONGER TOMORROW
Matthew's Hope Founder Scott Billue President Shelley Bradford Writers Vickie Allen, Taylor Ball, Scott Billue, Shelley Bradford, Meyer Bradford, Shannon Diaz, Sharlene Dewitz, Dave Henry, Theresa Lonoza, Tina Long, Ashley Renee Moon, Mark McWaters, Donnie Salmon Graphics, Layout and Design Amanda Kumpulainen Photography Jon Burket 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 County Administrative Offices 825 Forrest Avenue Cocoa, FL 32922 brevardinfo@mhm25.org Phone: (407) 905-9500 (ext. 2) Orange County Firm Foundation Preschool & Daycare 740 9th St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 Brevard County Firm Foundation Preschool & Daycare 825 Forrest Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922 Orange County Outreach Center 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 Trinity Oaks 825 Forrest Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922 Courtney@Trinityoaksvenues.org Phone: (321) 514-6215
Founder's Forum “Love God, Love His People” This might be my favorite issue of Moving Forward Magazine. It focuses on our SELFLESS staff and volunteers who serve our homeless guests weekly. This issue’s theme is “Why We Serve” and each article is written by our team, in their own words, with limited editing. I chose to BOLD selfless since our team passionately goes out to serve the homeless in our community and perform jobs that many don’t want to do. I found it interesting, that (without prompting our staff), each of them wrote about the importance of “listening” and that every homeless guest is an individual with his or her own story. Sharlene probably put it best when she wrote, “I saw individuals with stories, families, struggles, strengths, hopes and fears. I began to understand that homelessness is not one experience, and there is certainly not one solution. That realization is at the heart of why we serve.” Taylor teaches us that “It’s more than just paperwork. At Matthew’s Hope, helping people complete paperwork removes barriers. Every form filled out, every application submitted, every resume created, and every ID obtained is another step toward independence.” Theresa's article is inspiring. She shares a very personal story as to why she serves and notes that "every homeless Moving Forward Magazine | 4
person I minister to at Matthews Hope, may be the sister or the brother that I missed the chance to do everything I could!" Meyer feels like he has a better understanding of homeless guests with mental issues because he has high-functioning autism. He came to this realization while completing the task of labeling cans with our homeless guest Clarence. Meyer realized, when listening and talking to Clarence, that showed his job was more than just marking cans. Recently, I was challenged by a far right wing and self proclaimed “Christian” organization to not serve the LGBTQ+ community. Furthermore, they were seeking for me to denounce those individuals and to share our ministry’s statement of faith so all could know what we stand for. My response was an easy one for both myself and Matthew's Hope, where our team has been serving Central Florida for a decade and a half. The foundation of my faith and our mission is based on Matthew 25:35-46 and Mark 12:30-31. “Love God, Love His People”. After reading these articles, I have never been more convinced to continue to follow our mission, I hope you feel just as inspired as I do. Moving Forward Magazine | 4
By Sharlene Dewitz
Moving Forward Magazine | 6
I
didn’t set out to become an advocate for people experiencing homelessness. My connection to Matthew’s Hope began in a much simpler way. In 2015, I was the Kiwanis Centennial Playground Co-Chair and had a playground that needed a home. I knew a little about Matthew’s Hope and the work they were doing, and as I learned more about the ministry, I realized it was the perfect place for that playground. What I didn’t know then was how much that connection would change me. The more time I spent at Matthew’s Hope, the more I saw the people behind the word “homeless.” I saw individuals with stories, families, struggles, strengths, hopes and fears. I began to understand that homelessness is not one experience, and there is certainly not one
solution. That realization is at the heart of why we serve. The people we serve are often voiceless, dismissed and invisible. I use my voice to bring attention to them and to remind people that they are human beings who need to be seen, heard, loved and cared for. I never want someone to feel that they are alone. One of the greatest things my time at Matthew’s Hope has taught me is that every person is an individual with individual needs and an individual background. There is no single “fix” for someone’s life. What works for one person may not work for another. Sometimes, people do everything they are asked to do and still cannot move forward. They follow directions, make appointments, fill out paperwork, seek assistance and keep trying, yet the systems around them still fail to provide the path they need. That is when advocacy becomes especially important. I think about guests like Samara, who clearly cannot advocate for herself due to a severe traumatic brain injury. She cannot adequately care for herself physically or mentally, yet she continues to fall through the cracks. Someone should be appointed as her legal guardian. She should be housed somewhere that can provide the care she needs. Instead, she has been ignored by systems that should be helping her; sometimes these systems include police and emergency services. How can we see someone in that situation and simply look away? I can’t. My wish is for more people to understand that the individuals and families who come to Matthew’s Hope are human beings just like you and me. They need to be seen. They need to be heard. They need help. Instead, too often, people make assumptions.
Did You Know? Matthew’s Hope provides people experiencing homelessness with food, water, clothing, hygiene supplies, and connections to helpful services. Homelessness can happen after job loss, a medical emergency, a relationship ending, or losing a support system. Consistent support and advocacy can help build trust and help someone move toward housing and stability.
WHEN
PEOPLE ARE
SEEN, HEARD AND SUPPORTED,
LIVES
CHANGE. Moving Forward Magazine | 7
People do not simply choose to be homeless. They are not all addicts. They are someone’s father, mother, brother, sister, cousin, wife, husband, child or friend. We all start out in life with possibilities. Somewhere along the way, circumstances can change everything. A job can disappear. A relationship can end. A medical crisis can happen. A person can lose the support system they are dependent on. Instead of asking, “What is wrong with this person?” I believe we should stop and ask, “What happened to this person?” Even better, “How can I help?” Matthew’s Hope’s mission is to meet people where they are and help them move forward. To me, that begins with the Mobile Teams. I believe the Mobile Teams are one of, if not the most, important parts of our mission. When we meet a guest in their car or their camp we get a glimpse into their everyday reality. When it storms, everything they own can get soaked. When it is cold, there may be no heat. When they are hungry, they may have nowhere to prepare a hot meal, even if they have food. Our Mobile Teams enter those environments when our guests are at their most vulnerable. And we meet them there with dignity, love and no judgment. We give them food, water, clothing, hygiene supplies and connections to other services, but we are also giving them something just as important: the knowledge that someone sees them. WE COME BACK! That consistency matters. When someone is living in a place where so much is uncertain, knowing that someone will return can be powerful. It builds trust. It tells a person, “You matter. We haven’t forgotten you.” My time at Matthew’s Hope has taught me to think outside the box when it Moving Forward Magazine | 8
Look them in the eye. Acknowledge their humanity. Show respect, offer kindness, and don’t look away—choose to see the person in front of you. comes to helping someone. Sometimes advocacy means feeding someone you see who is hungry. Sometimes it means calling EMS when you see a dehydrated man sitting on the side of the road in 100-degree heat. Sometimes it is as simple as giving a hug to a mother living in her car with her two- and three-year-old children. Not every act of advocacy looks the same. But every act starts with recognizing that another human being is worthy of our attention and care. One of the things that gives me hope for the future is the dedication of our staff and volunteers at Matthew’s Hope. Their love, caring and time continue to make a difference, and that commitment allows the ministry to grow and serve more people. I have seen that difference in guests like Dwane. When Dwane first came to Matthew’s Hope, it took time to build his trust. But he kept coming back every week. But he kept coming back every week. Eventually he agreed to discuss getting on a housing list. Today, Dwane is housed. That did not happen overnight. It happened because someone took the time to build a relationship with him. He was treated with dignity. He was
made to feel seen and heard. If he had not felt those things, he may never have trusted us enough to take that next step. That is what advocacy can do. I have learned that advocacy doesn't always mean having the perfect answer. Sometimes it means asking the next question. Sometimes it means finding another resource. Sometimes it means making a phone call, offering a hug or simply sitting with someone and letting them know they are not alone. And sometimes, advocacy means refusing to accept that “nothing can be done.” I believe people need love and help just like all of us do from time to time. None of us knows what tomorrow may bring. None of us should be so confident that someone else’s circumstances could never become our own. So we will continue to speak. We will continue to ask questions. We will continue to educate and encourage others to do the same. Most importantly, our team will continue to see the people others overlook. Because they are not invisible. They are not a problem to be dismissed. They are human beings. And they deserve to be seen, heard, loved and cared for. That is why we serve.
By Nate Henry
I serve homeless populations because I understand, in my own way, what it means to experience adversity, struggle, and the feeling of being lost. My childhood included sexual abuse, and as a teenager I experienced the pain of my parents’ divorce. At 25, my own struggles with substance abuse led me to rehabilitation and ultimately this became a turning point in my life. These experiences have given me a deep sense of empathy and sympathy for individuals who are navigating homelessness, addiction, trauma, and circumstances that can be difficult for others to understand. I serve because I am grateful for the people and circumstances that Moving Forward Magazine | 10
By Nate
bymyDan helped me find way, and I believe every person deserves that same opportunity. My Christian faith reminds me to approach others with humility, compassion, and grace—to see the person beyond their circumstances and to recognize the dignity and worth that God has given each of us.
valued rather than judged or defined by their circumstances. I want to help create a safe space where individuals can begin to heal, rediscover their strengths, and recognize that their struggles do not diminish their worth.
Mental health care is at the heart of why I serve. Homelessness is often accompanied by trauma, grief, addiction, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. While the experience of being without stable housing can deepen emotional distress, I believe
I am humbled and thankful to be in a position where I can serve others. I know that life can change in ways we never expect, and I never want to forget how blessed I am to have been given opportunities for healing and growth. For me, serving others is more than a profession; it is an expression of gratitude, faith, and a commitment to meet people where
meaningful change begins when people feel heard, respected, and
they are—with compassion, without judgment, and with hope.
w
By Meyer Bradford
hen I first started my job at Matthew’s Hope as a 16year-old, it was just a job to make some money. HOWEVER, over my 6 years here it become something else entirely to me. Certain experiences can have a tremendous impact, one of those experiences was while I was just getting started at Matthew’s Hope.
we’re serving and how they got to where they are now. It showed me that a lot of our guests have mental health issues which I feel like I have a better understanding because I have high-functioning autism. Even with high functioning autism, I still know how it feels to not have a full straightforward thinking brain.
I met one of our homeless guests named Clarence while we were labeling cans in the back. While we were marking cans, Clarence and I would just talk, and he would tell me just about himself and at the time I didn’t see it as anything more than just a conversation between 2 people. I was later told that Clarence’s mood was raised just because I was someone who listened and talked to him, which made me realize that my job was more than just marking cans.
The main times I interact with these guests are when I am doing shopping for our outreach services. This is where the
After Clarence, I made it a point to listen to our homeless guests. I want each of our guests to know that someone will always be there to listen to them. Doing this led me to meeting a bunch of different personalities who helped me see who
something that has happened to them over the past few days and I do my best to listen to them because I know it is important for them to be heard. One of these guests is named Daniel. When Daniel comes in, he tells me about something crazy happening to him. Whether it’s something involving the bank or the hospital. I can anticipate an interesting conversation whenever he comes in. At the end of the day, we all want someone who will take the time to listen. That makes all the difference. A KIND CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE
guests tell me what they need for clothing and hygiene. When they tell me what they need they often tell me about
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WHY
I SERVE … Every homeless person I minister to at Matthew's Hope, may be the sister or brother that I missed the chance to do everything I could have. By Theresa Lonoza
Matthew 25:34-40 NKJV “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was …thirsty every minister atyou Matthew’s andhomeless you gave Meperson drink; I Iwas a strangertoand took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I in prison and Hope, maybe the sister or the brother for that was matter, you came to Me.’ “Then righteous Him, saying,thing ‘Lord, when did that I missed the the chance towill doanswer every good I we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we could’ve done! and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You a stranger seeTheresa You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say By Lonoza to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
About 3 yrs ago, still unsure of where God was leading me to spend the last decade of my nursing career, I found myself tagging along with my husband, Ron, helping people get free tablets, mobile devices, or cellphones. We were invited to come to Matthew’s Hope Ministries. Curious about what people do to help the homeless community, I was intently observing. We visited a few times, and then I discovered that they had a clinic in the back with one full-time RN who happens to be the Director herself, along with a handful of retired nurse volunteers. She found out that I have an active, unencumbered RN license at the same time. I was curious what nursing care is provided in their clinic. We were briefly introduced and an interview was scheduled. She was a breath of fresh air. Her values, principles and direction for Moving Forward Magazine | 12
the clinic were simple yet purpose-driven. I was drawn to her immediately and shortly thereafter I was hired full-time. Now fast forward about a couple of months ago, I was informed that I was one of the ones picked to be featured in the Moving Forward Magazine. I was surprised, humbled but bold to accept such a task. One of the questions I was asked to address was, “Of all of the places to work as an RN, why Matthew’s Hope Ministries?” I had to really think hard because usually people tend to work for better pay, especially towards the end of their careers. For me it didn’t happen. I even took a cut in my salary when I accepted the job, first as the clinic nurse then later promoted to the Clinic Nurse Manager.
"For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in... " Matthew 25:34-40
So back to the question, “Why Matthew’s Hope?” Well, before I tell you that it was all God’s direction, most of you, if not all, do not know this dark part of my life. (Now that I have everyone’s attention.) I have a sister (you see there are 6 of us, siblings; 4 girls in a row and 2 boys after.) I’m the second child and this sister of mine is right after me. We were only one year apart. She was almost born the same day as I was, until my mom begged her OBGyn to wait until after midnight to deliver her, which the doctor grudgingly obliged. So, I was born March 4th & she was born March 5th. We were what people called, “Irish Twins”. One would think we were close, but we were two very different people and often fought like cats and dogs! We parted ways from the rest of our siblings when we got married but I managed to stay close with the rest in Chicago. She went to California. At 45, we heard that she became homeless. We all reached out to her wanting to have her back in Chicago. But she flatly refused and wished to be left alone. Just four years after that, we heard word from one of her close friends that she suffered from a hemorrhagic cerebral aneurysm (a stroke) that ended her life. She collapsed with a blood pressure of 210/120 and didn’t wake up when she was brought to the closest ER then to ICU. That was my, “Why?” … I know I will never grow old with my sister; I will never do a kind act to her like giving her warm, home-cooked meal; I will never see her earn money via day labor or recycling scrap metals; I will never learn that she found shelter in encampments, vehicles or transitional housing; I will never know that she’s accessing public resources like libraries & free clinics like Matthew’s Hope to help her maintain basic needs… …But I see my sister in the guests at Matthew’s Hope, maybe the single woman, man, mother, father, or unaccounted for individual, for that matter, that I missed the chance to do every good thing I could’ve done!
That’s WHY I serve; that’s WHY WE SERVE at Matthew’s Hope!
One story of grief transformed into purpose—and why every act of service matters.
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HOPE IN ACTION: ORANGE COUNTY
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HOPE IN ACTION: BREVARD COUNTY
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By Vickie Allen
When I first started at Matthews Hope Ministries two years ago, I had no idea what being homeless meant. Don’t get me wrong, I saw homeless people everywhere just like all of us do, but I never really looked at what it really meant to be homeless. Being at Matthews Hope has taught me love, compassion, and not to judge my fellow man. Each week our staff and volunteers goes out into the community to collect dirty laundry or deliver fresh laundry. Our Mobile team provides nonperishable foods, hygiene items and clothing. Each person I meet is an individual with a story. I take great pride in being part of a team that goes out twice a week to find and feed the homeless. I see how they live and the conditions that they live in. I pray that I show them compassion, love and dignity. Everyone deserves to be seen and heard. That’s why I serve!
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By Donnie Salmon
If you ask Don, “Donnie” Salmon what his official role is at Matthew’s Hope, you’ll quickly realize that no single job title can quite hold him. A true jack-of-all-trades, Donnie can be found doing whatever needs to be done on any given day—fixing, building, guiding, and listening. But if you ask him why he does it, his answer goes much deeper than a job description. For Donnie, service isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a lifelong calling.
It By was during this vulnerable time that he walked through the doors of Matthew’s Hope and entered the Moving Forward program. With determination, hard work, and the support of a community that believed in him, Donnie graduated from the program, rebuilt his life, and eventually joined the Matthew’s Hope team as a full-time staff member. Today, Donnie’s ministry has come full circle. Among his many responsibilities, he helps lead mobile outreach in Pine Hills, stepping directly onto the very streets where he once struggled without a home. Where others might see hardship, Donnie sees opportunity, bringing physical relief, dignity, and real hope to those who feel forgotten. Because he has walked in their shoes, he connects with people in a way few others can.
Donnie’s heart for serving others was forged decades ago. In 1988, he answered the call to join the Peace Corps and was stationed in Mauritania, West Africa. Serving as part of a crucial hunger outreach initiative, Donnie spent his days teaching local communities vital health and sanitation practices— showing people how to boil their water and use iodine to make it safe for drinking. That early experience established a foundation of At the core of everything Donnie compassion and hand-in-hand does is a deep foundation of faith, ministry that would guide him for anchored in Matthew 25:35–40: the rest of his life. “For I was hungry and you gave me Yet, life’s journey is rarely a straight something to eat, I was thirsty and path. In 2020, Donnie found himself you gave me something to drink, I facing one of his hardest chapters was a stranger and you invited me when he experienced homelessness. in... Truly
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Why I Serve: God Used Matthew’s Hope to Give Me a Second Chance By Shannon Diaz
My reason for serving doesn't come from a position of authority; it comes from a place of lived truth. I am not just leading this mission. I am living proof of it, because I walked through the doors of Matthew’s Hope as a guest long before I ever became Director. My journey taught me early on that there is no rhyme or reason as to when a person is finally ready to reach out, accept help, and start over. Real transformation rarely follows a neat schedule or happens when anyone expects it to. But that experience planted an unbreakable truth in my heart: never lose hope. A moment of eye contact today might turn into a genuine smile tomorrow, and that single smile can be the spark that begins a whole new life. I am endlessly passionate about what Matthew’s Hope stands for because I know without a shadow of a doubt that it works. I live that truth every day, both as someone whose path was transformed here and as someone who now has the profound honor of helping lead our Orange County Campus forward as the Director.
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" A moment of eye contact today might turn into a genuine smile tomorrow, and that single smile can be the spark that begins a whole new life."
From the outside, people sometimes see the snack bags we hand out and assume that’s the extent of what we do. But those snack bags are simply the doorway to a relationship. We know our guests. We care for them deeply. We know their favorite colors, their quiet heartbreaks, and their personal stories. Society often measures progress in rigid, loud ways, but "moving forward" looks different for everyone. It doesn't always mean signing a lease or finding full-time employment overnight. Sometimes, moving forward is simply sitting down to eat a warm meal after being paralyzed by depression to eat at all. I serve for the big, life-changing milestones, like watching someone graduate from our Moving Forward program. But I also serve just as passionately for the small, quiet wins, like watching a guest realize they are finally safe enough to rest, breathe, and take their first real step forward. Miracles happen here every single day if you have the heart to see them. God used Matthew’s Hope to give me a second chance, and I am making every single moment matter. Stepping into the role of Director for our Orange County Campus is living proof of what grace can do. My leadership, my purpose, and my life are forever anchored in the gratitude that started with a snack bag and someone treating me like I mattered. My place is right beside those who feel forgotten. I am here to hold their hands through the darkest news and celebrate with everything I have when they break through. God’s grace rewrote my entire life, and His presence is woven through every corner of this ministry.
THAT IS WHY
I SERVE. Moving Forward Magazine | 21
Where Does It All Go?
SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
By Scott Billue
As 2026 comes to an end, I want to thank each of you who has supported us for the last 16 years. The time has passed quickly, and we would not still be open and operating without your support. Since I always strive for full transparency, I want to share with you some data on where our financial support comes from and how it is used. It is important to me that we share this information openly with our thousands of supporters. Matthew's Hope provides a comprehensive range of services to those in need, including medical, dental, optical, and mental healthcare, as well as assistance with IDs, birth certificates, social security cards, and benefits enrollment. The organization also helps individuals obtain food stamps, phones, showers, haircuts, laundry services, and much more. Where does it all go? Since its founding, Matthew's Hope has grown dramatically — from an initial budget of $75,000 to over $6.5 million in cash support and $5.5 million in donated in-kind goods and services annually. In addition, Matthew's Hope homeless guests benefitted from more than 15,000 volunteer hours. A core part of the mission includes distributing essential items such as socks, underwear, gloves, and beanies to homeless individuals throughout the community. Over the last several years, Matthew's Hope expanded its reach significantly, experiencing a 300% increase in weekly visits. The organization introduced new inventory tracking systems and added key facilities, including a Food Pantry, Medical Clinic, and Outreach Center.
Medical, dental, optical, and mental healthcare Identification assistance and benefit enrollement services 13,639 Nights of Shelter Includes Sleeper Buses, Transitional Housing, and Emergency Shelters Clothing, Running Shoes, Underwear, Socks, Cold Weather Gear Food Pantry, Medical Clinic, and Outreach Center services 21,000 showers 5,200 loads of laundry 21,293 Food Pantry Visits & 199,600 sandwiches
GROWTH THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE These projects have been partially funded with the assistance of Brevard County, Brevard County Coalition and The City of Palm Bay through Federal Community Development block grant funds made available by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. FROM AN INITIAL BUDGET OF
$75,000 TO OVER
$1.5 MILLION
IN CASH SUPPORT
$3.5 MILLION
IN DONATED
GOODS AND SERVICES
ANNUALLY
300% INCREASE
IN WEEKLY
VISITS
OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS
By Ashley Renee Moon
Being an advocate and truly listening to our guests’ stories about how they became homeless has been an eye-opening experience for me. The stigma that all homeless people are addicts is simply not true—although addiction is still a factor for some. Many people become homeless because of the death of a loved one, major health issues, untreated mental health conditions, loss of a job, family issues, leaving an abusive relationship, or moving somewhere else in hopes that life will be better. Our guests all have their own stories, just as we all do. It could happen to
Did You Know?
any of us. They are someone’s grandparent, mother, father, daughter, son, sister, or brother who has fallen upon a difficult time in their lives—doing everything they can to survive another day.
Homelessness can happen to anyone after job loss, health problems, or family hardship.
I urge you to listen to their stories. Don’t judge them by their sometimes-disheveled appearance. Care for people and treat them with respect and dignity.
Addiction is not the only cause of homelessness; housing costs and life crises also play major roles.
Because, after all, we could all be just one step away from being in their shoes.
Respect and listening matter because people experiencing homelessness often face stigma and judgment. Moving Forward Magazine | 23
By Shelley Bradford
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Dear Volunteers,
Ever� week, a beautif�l t�ansfor�ation happens within the walls of Matthews Hope Minist�ies. It does not begin with logistics, budgets, or st�ategic planning. It begins the moment our volunteers walk through the door. To be completely honest, we simply could not do this work without you. You are, quite literally, the hear�beat of our minist��. Seeing your familiar, smiling faces ar�ive each week brings an over�helming sense of joy and relief to my hear�.
You Are a Giſt Beyond Measure In the world of non-profit work, we oſten talk about resources. Do we have enough food and clothing in the pant��? How are we doing with medical supplies? And of course, donations. Do we have the capital we need to suppor� our operations. But the most valuable resource will always be human kindness. When you generously give us your time, you do so much more than fill a shiſt. You liſt a heavy financial burden off our shoulders. Because you choose to show up, we can st�etch our f�nding f�r�her. Your presence means we can redirect critical resources directly into the hands of the people who need them most, our homeless g�ests. You are the hands and feet of this minist��. Because of your dedication, our communit� ex�eriences tangible love, hope, and dig�it� ever� single day.
Incredibly Blessed We look around at what Matthews Hope has become, and we know it reflects your reg�lar sacrifices. We are so incredibly blessed to have you standing by our side, sharing our mission, and loving this communit�. To ever� single beautif�l, compassionate, person who ser�es with us: thank you. We appreciate you more than words can say.
With Love,
Shelley Bradford Join Our Volunteer Family Our mission is growing, and our doors are always open to new helping hands. If you have a heart for our community and want to make a tangible difference, we would love to welcome you to Matthew’s Hope family. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or a few hours per month, your time has the power to change lives. Are You Ready to Serve? Visit our website matthewshopeministries.org/volunteers Your hands and heart are exactly what we are looking for. Moving Forward Magazine | 25
By Taylor Ball
When people think about serving our homeless neighbors, they often picture handing out meals or providing clothing. While those moments are incredibly important, some of the moments I’ll never forget happen quietly, sitting across a desk from someone who simply needs a chance.
ID. Katie is one of our Moving Forward Program guests. Seeing the joy and pride on her face reminded me that progress isn’t always measured by big milestones. Sometimes, it’s found on a small plastic card that reminds us that “You belong. You matter. Your future is possible.”
One of my roles at Matthew’s Hope is providing office services. Every week, I help guests obtain identification cards, apply for government assistance like SNAP benefits, create resumes, search for jobs, complete important paperwork, and navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming. These may seem like ordinary tasks, but for someone starting over, they can be life changing.
It’s More than Just Paperwork!
I’ve watched guests light up with excitement after finally receiving a Florida ID. Something many of us carry in our wallets without a second thought can represent freedom, opportunity, and hope for someone who has gone without one for years. An ID means they can apply for jobs, open a bank account, access resources, and begin rebuilding their lives.
At Matthew’s Hope, helping people complete paperwork removes barriers. Every form filled out, every application submitted, every resume created, and every ID obtained is another step toward independence. It’s a privilege to walk alongside our guests during those moments and celebrate victories, both big and small. People often ask why we serve. For me, the answer is found in moments like this. It’s seeing someone regain confidence after believing they have lost everything. It’s witnessing hope return, one step at a time. Those are the moments that remind me why I serve, and why I know Matthew’s Hope is changing lives every single day.
One moment that will always stay with me was helping Katie obtain her very first Florida Moving Forward Magazine | 27
By Tina Long
I started with Matthew’s Hope in March 2025, and it has been a blessing ever since. Before starting here, I never really gave much thought to seeing a homeless person on the street. I thought most were either drug users or panhandlers that just didn’t want to work. After seeing some of these souls I now know that this is just not true and my eyes are opened to so much more. I go out into the community with our Mobile Teams to feed any homeless people that we find. We find new homeless people every day we are out. Seeing some of the living conditions completely breaks my heart. Some sleep surrounded by trash, in empty business doorways, in garbage containers, benches, sidewalks, woods and any place that they think they may be able to lay their head down and get some rest
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without being assaulted, robbed or arrested. On Tuesday and Thursday, we see our guests at our Brevard Campus for outreach services. We can see as many as 150-200 guests. They come in for hot meals, hot showers, clean clothes, toiletries, pantry items, and visit the medical team if needed. When they come in, many are very dirty from living in the elements and extremely hungry. Some will come in full of mosquito bites or spider bites. Seeing this firsthand has changed my mind on how I look at anyone who is homeless. It is a pleasure when a guest comes up to me and gives me a big hug and tells me how much they truly appreciate everything that I do to help them try to move forward and they say I Love You!
We give them resources from managing money, putting them in touch with other food pantries that they can go to throughout the week, setting up an appointment with the Brevard Homeless Coalition, treatment centers for alcohol and drug abuse and mental health therapy just to mention a few. As we know life is very hard for many of us but extremely hard for anyone that may be experiencing homelessness. This is why I do what I do because everyone deserves empathy, dignity and a safe place to rest.
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By Scott Billue
I have never been one to shy away from controversy, especially when it comes to the broken, the disenfranchised and "those" people... whatever that may mean at any given point in time. Recently, I was challenged by a far right wing and self proclaimed “Christian” organization to not serve the LGBTQ+ community. Furthermore, they were seeking for me to denounce those individuals and to share our ministry’s statement of faith so all could know what we stand for. My response was an easy one for both myself and Matthew's Hope, where our team has been serving Central Florida for a decade and a half.
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The foundation of my faith and our mission is based on Matthew 25:35-46 and Mark 12:30-31. I will not quote you scripture, as I hope you will look it up yourself while you examine your own heart, but I will give you a little hint. The first is, “what you have done for the least of these you have done unto me" and the second, "love your Lord, love your neighbor." Read the entire scripture and I assure you that you too will understand the importance of these two oddly overlooked verses. Many who turn a blind eye to these readings tend to focus on being the “God police” rather than serving and caring for others without condition.
Those verses became especially real to the entirety of Central Florida during the Pulse Nightclub massacre, which happened less than five miles from my former home and within walking distance of my stepdaughter’s high school. In the days that followed, the community came together in an extraordinary way, lining up to donate blood for those who were fighting to survive. There were no conditions placed on who deserved our compassion or who was worthy of our help. People simply saw their neighbors hurting and responded. God is the only judge, and it is through Him that we are able to care for the groups I stated in the beginning without fear that we are doing the wrong thing. From the beginning of my life in ministry, and then founding Matthew’s Hope in 2010, it has always been a top priority to love and care for others without exception and be willing to show up where others would never go or expect to be seen. Matthew’s Hope serves all, with no discrimination or judgement based on race, religion, political affiliation, gender, or sexual orientation. It really is that simple.
Even Jesus sat with the prostitute before telling her to go and sin no more. Jesus didn’t care about what others thought aside from reminding the religious zealots who their neighbor was. He went where others dare not. He loved the unlovable and He came to heal the sick. He, Jesus, is our model. He is our “Why?” One of my favorite Seminary Professors once said to me, “Scotty, you will come across many Christians with scabs on their knees. However, the ones you want to look for are those with dirt under their fingernails, as they are the ones getting the work done”. At Matthew’s Hope we have dirt under our fingernails and would have it no other way. So here is to the crazy ones, the ones with dirt under their fingernails, those who dare to go where needed, as they are the ones who believe they can change the world. It is you who understand and are willing to stand in the gap. Blessings!
LOVE • SERVE • STAND IN THE GAP
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