ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – As cold temperatures grip Central Florida, Matthew’s Hope in Winter Garden has become a lifeline for homeless men, women, and children.
The ministry opened its doors Tuesday night but with resources and space stretched to the limit, they’re urgently calling on the community for support.
The shelter is at capacity, accommodating over 50 individuals Monday night into Tuesday morning. However, as more people arrive, staff like Holly Norris are asking for other organizations to join the effort.
“With these cold temperatures, it takes a toll on the body,” Norris said. “We already serve 100-120 people every Tuesday and Thursday, so the demand is growing.”
For those staying at Matthew’s Hope, the freezing weather highlights the harsh realities of life on the streets.
“Take yourself out of your warm house and come out here for one day,” said Frederick, a guest at the shelter. “You’ll see exactly what we go through — it’s rough.”
Jasmine, another guest, described the desperation many feel: “It’s 41 degrees out right now. It’s not time to be playing around. People need a place to stay.”
The ministry has seen an increase in people seeking help, partly due to recent enforcement measures in downtown Orlando that have displaced many homeless individuals.
“We’ve been getting a lot of people from downtown Orlando trying to take advantage of our services because there’s nowhere else to go,” Norris explained.
Despite limited resources, the shelter is determined not to turn anyone away.
“We don’t want to see someone die out there because of the cold,” Norris said. “If you have a warm place and can give them a meal, we need more people like us to do this.”
Matthew’s Hope isn’t asking for people to take on the full burden of sheltering.
“We’re just asking for a warm place to spend the night,” Norris said. “Where else are they supposed to go?”
For Kimberly, one of the shelter’s guests, the stakes are clear.
“It would be a shame to let somebody die out there just because of the cold,” she said.
As Frederick put it, “We’re human, just like everyone else. I think we deserve a chance.”
Matthew’s Hope is calling on the community to open their doors or provide resources to help with this urgent need.
To learn more or lend a hand, visit Matthew’s Hope or contact them directly at 407-905-9500 or you can email them at info@matthewshopeministries.org.
The group has also set up an online fundraiser specifically to help during Florida’s cold snap. Click here if you’d like to make a donation.
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