Our Programs
Food Pantry
St. Matthew's House is more than a homeless shelter. We are also committed to helping those who have a home, but are living paycheck to paycheck, often at or below poverty level. To this end, we have a Food Pantry stocked with grocery items generously donated by area businesses, churches, supermarkets and individuals. Those in need of groceries can come to St. Matthew's House and go home with a bag full of the basics, from canned goods to pasta, peanut butter, condiments, and more. Each bag is filled to accommodate a family of four for two days. In all, it adds up to about $30 worth of groceries. Over 3,000 bags of groceries are given out annually.
Direct Assistance
We also help you apply for assistance from the state. With the closing of a nearby Department of Children and Families office in early 2008, those in need found it increasingly difficult to obtain help. In response, St. Matthew's House set up a free ACCESS Florida terminal in our lobby to help people apply. The Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency (Access Florida) website is where you can apply for:
- Food stamps
- Temporary cash assistance
- Medicaid
Here, you will be able to check the status of a claim already filed, complete an unfinished application, and report any changes in your status. For more information, visit Access Florida. Close to 40 people per month utilize this service, adding up to over 400 people per year.
Direct Assistance Times:
Mon & Wed. 1-3 pm
Tues & Thurs 3-6 pm
Friday 1-4 pm