Winter Garden Magazine August 2018 | Page 9

Transitional housing amazingly dedicated volunteers and staff – many of whom have never missed a Tuesday – Matthew's Hope serves between 75 and 100 folks each week. A minibus brings guests to their Ninth Street location where they are guests are welcomed and checked in. Everyone is offered a hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner to go, along with a warm shower, shave, a hair cut, a load of clothes laundered, and even new clothing if needed. to pick up any needed hygiene items with the help of a volunteer personal Some visit with staff members who shopper. assist with various benefits, medical needs, identification cards or other The idea behind Matthew's Hope services. Many guests share in the is non-traditional, but incredibly fellowship this day affords, and enjoy effective. It is not an emergency playing games together and talking shelter, although transitional housing with other guests and volunteers. is available to those who are willing to earn their way toward a life of The bus also transports them over to independence and self-sustainability. shop for nonperishable food items in And outside of Tuesday Outreach, the Garden of Eatin’ food pantry, and it is not a soup kitchen. Matthew’s AUGUST 2018 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |   9