Westgate Resorts Foundation Assists Matthew’s Hope in Efforts to Create Transitional Housing Option for Central Florida Homeless Families
Matthew’s Hope, a homeless ministry in Central Florida, recently purchased six homes to be used for transitional housing for homeless families. Now, with the help of various organizations like Westgate Resorts Foundation, those four houses and one duplex are being renovated and prepared for their first residents.
Matthew’s Hope, founded by pastor Scott Billue, recognized a need to better serve the area’s homeless population, about half of which are women and children.
The ministry began looking for suitable housing options and Billue found the five buildings in an area of Winter Garden, FL. Originally priced at $275,000, the homes were ultimately purchased for $175,000 by Matthew’s Hope Helpers, LLC, created by a group of local people who donated a minimum of $10,000 each to partner in the organization. Another $10,000 was donated by the People of Faith Lutheran Church.
Additional funds are being raised to pay of the remaining mortgage and complete repairs to the homes. Nearly $80,000 has been raised to date for renovation work which is expected to be completed by September. Lowe’s, Hosanna Building Contractors and David Weekley Homes have also volunteered their services to assist with the house and yard improvements.
Westgate Resorts Foundation is donating all the beds for the revamped homes. The Greater Orlando Apartment Association Foundation is stocking each kitchen with all the pots and pans, flatware and dishes.
Families for each home will be selected based on certain criteria. Families will need some sources of income and be required to pay a program fee of $250 or 250 points per week.
Meanwhile, Matthew’s Hope will pay the mortgage and utilities. The homes will be set up in nearly identical fashion and families coming in will not bring many personal items so they can be moved in or out within a day’s notice.
In addition to holding down jobs, families will be required to participate in various classes provided by Matthew’s Hope. Points that can be used toward the program fee can be earned by families who work in the Matthew’s Hope garden, help in the food pantry and clothing distribution center, or cleaning up after meals.
The goal of the program is to assist families who are working toward their own recovery and to provide those families with a place where children will have a greater opportunity to grow spiritually, physically, mentally and socially. It is expected that families will stay in the houses anywhere from six months up to two years depending on their situation.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to the program can visit www.matthewshopeministries.org or send a check to Matthew’s Hope Ministries at 1460 Daniels Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787.