Hurricane Irma

Please pray for Southwest Florida

UPDATED 9/12/2017 at 8:59 AM EST

All staff are OK and all facilities are still standing with some water and minor structural damage.

Our shelters are open, and as soon as power is restored, we can let staff and clients return and open the thrift stores. We thank God for sparing us from a category 4 storm and the worst case storm surge that had been forecast.

Steve Brooder

Executive Vice President, St. Matthew’s House

UPDATED 9/9/2017 at 3:51 PM EST

St. Matthew’s House has evacuated our Naples Rescue Mission and our Recovery Program campuses. This has displaced over 300 people that we serve every day plus all our staff. The expected path of Hurricane Irma will directly impact Southwest Florida. After we experience 100+mph hurricane force winds, we could face a 9-12′ storm surge at our main campus. The eye of the hurricane will pass through our area on Sunday and the storm surge will occur Monday.

If we lose our central kitchen we will be searching for temporary facilities to help feed our community. Four of our five thrift stores along with our warehouse operation are in vulnerable areas. We are preparing for our disaster response and plan to do everything we can to serve our community once our people are safe and secure to display the light and love of Jesus Christ.

Please pray for God’s grace and mercy on us and safety for everyone in the path of this massive hurricane.

Steve Brooder

Executive Vice President, St. Matthew’s House

St. Matthew’s House thrift stores, cafés, and the car wash will be closed until next Tuesday, September 12th. All of our shelters and properties, except for the Immokalee Friendship House, are in the process of evacuation.

Please pray for our community during this challenging time. St. Matthew’s House is committed to helping our neighbors in Florida during Hurricane Irma.