Homeless young woman gets a chance to start over due to her own hard work

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A formerly homeless young woman is getting a fresh start. She now has her own apartment and car, and it’s all thanks to her own hard work. Next, she wants to help others.

After years of sleeping on others’ couches, at St. Matthew’s House Campbell Lodge in Naples, Florida and at Youth Haven Homeless Shelter, 19-year-old Merci now has a bed to call her own. This is an emotional day for her, as she spent much of her life homeless.

“It’s still not hitting me yet,” Merci said. “I’m sure once it’s all decorated and the first night when I’m actually sleeping, it’ll be like, ‘Wow, this is mine.’ It’s exciting.”

She’ll have plenty of materials to decorate with, too. GL homes donated $2,000 to help Merci furnish her new North Naples apartment with plenty of items from St. Matthew’s House Thrift Store in Bonita Springs, Florida. A coffee maker, headboard and bar stools in the new home all belong to her.

We’re so proud of you Merci and are happy that we were able to help you make your home your own! God bless you; we know that you’re gonna be a world-changer!

View the full story from WINK News here:

https://www.winknews.com/2021/03/10/homeless-young-woman-gets-a-chance-to-start-over-due-to-her-own-hard-work

If you are in need of emergency or transitional housing and/or food assistance, you can learn more here.

To learn about volunteering, click here.

To make a donation to St. Matthew’s House, click below:

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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.

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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! 💙

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✨ 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.

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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!

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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. 💛 

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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.

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