About St. Matthew’s House®
As an expression of God’s love in Southwest Florida, we exist to ensure that no one experiencing hunger, homelessness or addiction is alone or without a pathway for their journey from crisis to contributor. Together with our partners and participants, we cultivate communities where people are progressively seen, accepted, challenged, and supported.
Our Guiding Principles
Community Driven
For over 35 years, St. Matthew’s House® has tackled challenges born from the needs of Southwest Florida.
Faith Based
St. Matthew’s House® endeavors to follow Christ’s instructions outlined in Matthew 25.
Crisis to Contributor
Our programs meet immediate needs while building toward sustainable transformation.
Uniquely Funded
We don’t rely on government funding. Our social enterprise profits defray administrative costs, so donations reach those in need.
Our story
Explore our history
Journey through milestones and meaningful moments over our last 35 years.
1987
St. Matthew’s House began in 1987 when a group of local residents harnessed the power of the Naples Ministerial Association and formed the “Task Force for the Homeless”, which would eventually be renamed St. Matthew’s House. The group began gathering contributions of both food and clothing, establishing the mission’s food pantry.
1989
St. Matthew’s House opened its doors in an old firehouse on Airport Road South. Serving three meals daily and offering eighteen beds, it became known as the “House with a Heart”.
1994
Community support grew and St. Matthew’s House was able to construct additional shelter capacity, more than tripling the beds available for men and also introducing sections for single women and for women with children and infants.
2001
Responding to additional community needs, St. Matthew’s House begins construction of Wolfe Apartments, to serve as affordable transitional housing, and opens Naples Thrift Store to further serve the community and provide an additional source of funding for the organization.
2008
St. Matthew’s House merges with emergency housing shelter Immokalee Friendship House, expanding to include 44 additional beds, along with administrative efficiencies and more services to a larger segment of the population.
2010
With the financial leadership of the Holecek Family Foundation, Justin’s Place Recovery Program opens in response to the need for long-term solutions for the struggles faced by the community’s most at-risk individuals.
2017
The Wright Family partners to open Jill’s Place, the new home for the Jill Wright Retreat Center.
2018
With the continued support of the Holecek Family Foundation, a 5-acre plot of land was purchased and named Justin’s Village in honor of Justin Holecek. The property serves as transitional housing for recovery program graduates and their families.
Additionally, the Naples Shelter is renamed Campbell Lodge in honor of the Campbell family and sets for extensive renovation.
2020
Responding to COVID-19, the St. Matthew’s House food pantry pivots to mobile food distributions and experiences exponential growth in order to meet growing needs.
LuLu’s Kitchen is built and opens later in the year, made possible by the Holecek Family Foundation. LuLu’s Kitchen houses cafe, catering, and mission meal operations.
2022
In response to Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact on southwest Florida, St. Matthew’s House donors, volunteers and staff came together to raise and deploy nearly $2.3 million in hurricane relief to repair damaged St. Matthew’s House facilities and help the community at large rebuild.
2023
Launched the Scott & Dolly McCartan Empowerment Hub, a state-of-the-art learning facility designed to assist Justin’s Place alumni and program participants on their journey to financial stability.
2024
Groundbreaking of new Fort Myers Women and Children’s Shelter, expected to open later this year.
Partners
