Newsletter. Spotlight January 2026

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Last month, just ahead of the holidays, we hosted our first-ever Christmas Market for residents in our programs. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, the event was a wonderful success.

Thank you to everyone who purchased gifts, volunteered their time and prayed for the event. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year and further cultivating a spirit of giving alongside those we serve.

Each new year brings renewed hope and reflection. As 2026 begins, we invite you to consider planned giving . Also known as estate giving, planned giving allows you to name St. Matthew’s House as a beneficiary in your will, creating a lasting legacy that continues to change lives beyond your lifetime.

If you’re interested in learning more, please contact our team at [email protected] .

This season, we’re excited to host a variety of upcoming events—some new, such as a pipe organ concert, and others returning, including our triannual recovery program graduation. We hope to see you at the events that interest you most, and as always, we are deeply grateful for your continued prayers and support.

St. Matthew’s House hosted its annual Christmas dinner at Lulu’s Kitchen, serving 856 people with the help of volunteers and community support. Hundreds of people, including Rhonda Duncalf, gathered to receive a hot Christmas ham dinner this year, courtesy of St. Matthew’s House.

“I think it’s wonderful that they’re doing this, because on Christmas, a lot of people might be alone and might need a place to go,” Duncalf said. Volunteers dedicated countless hours to preparing for the annual Christmas Day dinner.

Our intake team works around the clock fielding more than 200 calls a week from people in need in our community and connecting them to helpful resources. Sometimes that means finding them a bed in our shelter or connecting them to our Justin’s Place Recovery Program staff; sometimes it means connecting them with one of our partner agencies who are better equipped to handle their unique need. Everybody’s journey is different, but our intake team knows that each one requires a listening ear and compassionate care to help them move from crisis to contributor.

Join us for an inspirational evening of music and passion featuring world-renowned organist André Knevel. Guests will enjoy the powerful “Faces Beyond Homelessness” art exhibit, followed by a contemporary concert performance by André Knevel.

This special event benefits St. Matthew’s House, and your participation helps provide shelter, food, and hope to those in need.

Reserve your tickets today and make a difference! VIP and General Admission ticket options available.

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Congratulations to Bianca and Selina on recently receiving a Core Value Award! 👏

Bianca and Selina processed over 16,000 gifts during our second quarter! Their supervisor says she’s proud of their hard work and commitment to excellence.

#StMatthewsHouse #nonprofit #charity #SWFL #SouthwestFlorida #Florida #FL #excellence #CoreValueAward #EmployeeRecognition
Video Reels With support from our community partners, GL Homes and Youth Haven, 22‑year‑old Dezeree received a shopping spree to shop at our thrift stores and help in her transition into her own living space. 🤗

Dezeree has dreams of becoming a nurse and helping people, and this marks the first step of the next chapter of her life. We’re so proud to walk alongside her on her journey! 💙

#StMatthewsHouse #nonprofit #charity #SWFL #SouthwestFlorida #Florida #GLHomes #CommunityPartner #YouthHaven #StMatthewsHouseThriftStores
✨ Join us for an unforgettable night of music and purpose on Friday, February 27, 2026! ✨

Experience An Inspirational Evening with André Knevel — a stunning organ concert and reception supporting St. Matthew’s House.

🎟️ VIP & General Admission tickets are available now! Link in bio.
Video Reels Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the one year anniversary of our Fort Myers Shelter for Women & Children!

We are so grateful to be working alongside such wonderful #CommunityPartners who are dedicated to make a difference for these women and children.

#StMatthewsHouse #nonprofit #charity #SWFL #SouthwestFlorida #Florida #LeeCounty #FortMyers #shelter
Video Reels Every face has a story. 💛

Watch this powerful moment and see how lives are being transformed every day at St. Matthew’s House.

Discover more stories of transformation through our Faces Beyond Homelessness art exhibit. Link in bio!

#StMatthewsHouse #nonprofit #charity #SWFL #SouthwestFlorida #FacesBeyondHomelessness #art #exhibit #WendyWagner
Carousel Birthday smiles all around! 🥳 

Last week we celebrated the first birthday of our Fort Myers Shelter for Women & Children, and it was a beautiful celebration of what community can do.

A huge thank‑you to our incredible community partners—especially Next Level Church—for showing up, giving back, and helping create pathways for our residents. 💛 

#StMatthewsHouse #nonprofit #charity #SWFL #SouthwestFlorida #Florida #FortMyers #LeeCounty #shelter #HomelessShelter #celebrate #birthday #CommunityPartners @nextlevelswfl #NextLevelChurch
Join us in congratulating John who was recently presented with a Core Value Award! 👏

Through his role, he has displayed a willingness to help the facilities team, demonstrated excellence with his enthusiastic attitude and a God-honoring approach to any task.

“I am blessed to work with him and his team daily,” said a coworker.

#StMatthewsHouse #nonprofit #charit #SWFL #SouthwestFlorida #Florida #CoreValueAward #EmployeeRecognition #excellence #helpful #GodHonoring