St. Matthew’s House Receives Grant from Collier Community Foundation

The Collier Community Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to St. Matthew’s House to support the not-for-profit organization’s shelter housing programs in Southwest Florida.

Collier County is facing a severe housing crisis that is pushing more individuals and families —many for the first time — into homelessness. Behind every statistic is a person who can no longer afford a safe place to live.

For over 37 years, St. Matthew’s House has been a lifeline, offering emergency shelter and comprehensive support services to those in crisis. In 2024, Campbell Lodge and Immokalee Friendship Lodge shelters served over 1,400 people, reflecting the growing number impacted by the soaring cost of living.

The need for shelter is compounded by extreme housing costs, a shortage of affordable rentals, and stagnant wages. St. Matthew’s House not only meets these urgent needs but also empowers individuals to move from crisis to self-sufficiency.

“The Collier Community Foundation has been very supportive of the St. Matthew’s House mission to provide hope, help, and healing to our neighbors in need,” notes St. Matthew’s House President and CEO Ben Bridges. “Only with the collaborative efforts and support of our partners like Collier Community Foundation can St. Matthew’s House provide the full range of services and resources that are vital to ensuring that no one experiencing hunger, homelessness, or addiction is alone or without a pathway for their journey from crisis to contributor.”