Where the Ministry Started.
And Why.
Matthew’s Hope Ministries began as a response to inclement weather in 2010, when the temperature dipped below 39 degrees. The dangerous weather prompted founder, Pastor Scott Billue and a few friends, to ask churches in the area to temporarily house the homeless population who stayed outside. Although many turned him away, the West Orange Church of Christ eagerly agreed, and over the course of several weeks, allowed people in this community to sleep, eat and stay warm inside their building, sometimes days at a time.
Volunteers in the community heard about the freeze warning ministry and stepped up to help, cleaning bathrooms and helping to feed the people. As the temperatures warmed, Pastor Scott and others could not just walk away from the obvious, ongoing needs of the homeless community of west Orange County.
Together, Matthew’s Hope Ministries was created.
Who and what is Matthew's Hope Ministries today?
Based in Winter Garden, the ministry is a fully Independent, faith-based, 501(c)3 non-profit homeless outreach ministry organization completely funded and supported by the local community, and exclusively serving west Orange County. Volunteers and staff members of Matthew’s Hope Ministries help connect guests with various resources and services of need.
The ministry believes in offering a hand up, not just a hand out.
The ministry receives no government funding.
Why Does Matthew's Hope Ministries choose this path?
The scriptural call of Matthew 25: 35-40 says it all:
'For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?’
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.’
Hence, the name of the ministry: Matthew's Hope.