Our Programs
Structured Recovery
St. Matthew's House is but a part of recovery, not a permanent place to live. Our goal is to prepare a person to leave St. Matthew's House and successfully return to society. We have a no-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol.
When SMH residents enter our Structured Recovery Program, they subsequently submit themselves to our rules and regulations, which in turn lead to the self-respect that comes from accountability. They must be sober and make a commitment to very specific standards and rules, and have a willingness to begin the task of rebuilding their lives. Our program offers compassionate, disciplined counseling and guidance to each resident's physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges.
Program Details:
- Wakeup at 6 a.m. and be out by 8 a.m. either gainfully employed or looking for a job
- $12/day program fee, which is the payment required to live at St. Matthew's House. If something costs nothing, even with children, people tend to not value and respect it as much. Also helps to cover the cost of counseling
- Completion of an assigned daily chore, ensuring that residents understand that is their job to keep their home clean and clutter free
- Mandatory attendance at weekly case management meetings to ensure they are taking the steps to independence, which include:
- Paying their bills
- Keeping a checking and/or savings account
- Taking any required medications
- Attending daily meetings to help them grow and progress by taking responsibilities for their own actions
- Timely payment of court fees and/or child support, if applicable
Residents will have access to referrals for their medical, mental health and substance abuse needs. We partner with many key organizations including NCH, David Lawrence Center and the Neighborhood Health Clinic. View all organization links
Residents meet weekly with a case manager to set goals and a plan of action. They also must attend daily meetings seven days a week to assist them on their road to recovery. The types of meetings include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Life skills
- Parenting
- Family dynamics
- Financial guidance
- Bible study
St. Matthew's House also offers additional program opportunities to our residents:
Clothing Voucher Program at our Naples Thrift Store- Day Care Program
- St. Matt's Camps for Kids Program: For the 75 children that find a home each year at St. Matthew's House and our transitional housing, the Wolfe Apartments, life can be filled with insecurity. While going to school brings some sense of normalcy, the summer months can be long and frustrating. To enrich the lives of these underprivileged children, we have developed a new program. The St. Matt's Camps for Kids Fund is a resource to research, apply and place children in community summer camp programs for a period of time during their summer vacation.
Immokalee Friendship House
Immokalee Friendship House provides shelter to over 1,000 people and feeds over 25,000 meals each year. A $10 donation is enough to provide 25 hot nutritious meals.
Upon arrival, each Immokalee Friendship House resident's needs are assessed and in-house assistance and referrals are coordinated. Warm showers and hot meals are made immediately available. The shelter provides three meals a day, including a bag lunch to take to work or while job prospecting. In the evening, clothes are washed, chores are done, and social services such as AA meetings, support groups and case management are available. Staff assists with job interviews and readiness, referrals, and finding affordable housing.