FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Jennifer Danforth
Alestra Marketing, Inc.
239.560.2831
Ted Burnham
St. Matthew’s House
678.773.4601
St. Matthew’s House Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for Naples Shelter Renovation
Naples, FL (November 1, 2018)-St. Matthew’s House staff, along with community and civic leaders will come together with the Campbell family for a special renaming and groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Naples homeless shelter on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 10:00 am at 2001 Airport Road, South in Naples.
The existing shelter was built in 1993 and since then it is estimated that over 25,000 residents have been served. However, the need is far greater than the capacity of the current facility with a growing wait list for women, men and children. Remodeling the facility will allow the space to be repurposed in order to better meet the needs of homeless families. It is estimated that the new shelter will serve over 1,200 men, women and children per year.
The event will celebrate the substantial renovation of the existing St. Matthew’s House Naples shelter. The facility will also be renamed Campbell Lodge in honor of longtime board member Don Campbell and his wife Ruth, who made the renovation possible through their generous donation.
“Through this renovation of the only homeless shelter in Naples, the Campbell family is demonstrating that Naples and St. Matthew’s House are places where we truly love our neighbors, regardless of their circumstances,” said Steve Brooder, Chief Operating Officer of St. Matthew’s House.
Steve continued, “Our organization is called St. Matthew’s House, but I like to think of it more as a home. It is a home of last resort for the hungry, homeless and those struggling with addictions. We know that the material deficits of the people we serve are almost always symptoms of a deeper and more difficult problem. We are committed to serving them and helping them as they recover and rebuild their lives.
Schedule for Program:
10:05-10:20 Welcome and Opening Remarks by St. Matthew’s House COO, Steve Brooder
10:20-10:30 Remarks by Board Chairman, Rachael Loukonen
10:30-10:35 Benediction by Father Orsi
10:36 Groundbreaking
10:40 Refreshments prepared by St. Matthew’s House Culinary Students
About St. Matthew’s House
For over thirty years, St. Matthew’s House has provided innovative solutions to fight homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty in Southwest Florida. St. Matthew’s House is a 501(c)(3) that does not depend upon government funding. The organization also has a 100% donation model that allows all operating expenses to be covered by unique social enterprises. For more information visit www.stmatthewshouse.org.
