“The church… has turned into something I simply do not understand.” ~Pastor Scott

In Episode 67 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley discuss the role that churches play, or don’t play, in helping those in our communities experiencing homelessness.

Many may assume that churches would be first in line to raise money, volunteer spaces or donate services to organizations like Matthew’s Hope, but they would be incorrect. There are exceptions of course, but you may be surprised to hear how most churches respond when they are approached to help in times of need.

Are modern-day churches really aligned with the teachings they profess to follow? How did we get here? What could/should be done?

Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today.

To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/

#homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #church #religion #christianity #jesus #wwjd

“We have all kinds of collateral damage.”

In Episode 66 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley share their reactions to the recent Federal Funding Freeze announced by the White House and how it impacts their ability to continue serving the unhoused in our communities.

The abrupt halt on federal grants and loans created widespread confusion across the government, Congress, state programs and non-profit organizations that rely on that funding. Since the announcement, several judges have granted temporary restraining orders to block President Trump’s freeze and at the time of this taping the exact future of the order is unclear.

Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today.

To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/

#homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #federalfunding #fundingfreeze #project2025 #federalfundingfreeze

Shelter from the Storm.

In Episode 65 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley discuss how they recently opened the doors of their campuses as cold shelters during a recent Florida cold snap.

Several dozen people die of exposure each year in Central Florida. Learn how they determined they would need to step up, the resources required, and how the community and several churches came forward to help. You may also be surprised to learn how many churches didn’t step in to help.

Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties in order to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today.

To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/

#homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness

“People are not numbers.” ~Pastor Scott

In Episode 64 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley revisit the story of one of their guests named Donnie and share some very exciting news about his future. Without the support of Matthew’s Hope and their donors, Donnie very easily could have died alone on the street. Find out where is he today and how his life has been transformed.

Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today.

To learn more, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness

“What would we let Jesus do?”

In Episode 63 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, Pastor Scott and Shelley discuss how Jesus might be treated if he found himself on the street in modern-day Florida. The intersection of politics and religion as well as the irony often associated with them.

Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties in order to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today.

To learn more or donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/

#homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #wwjd #jesus #religion #politics

In Episode 62 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope presented by Imagine, Pastor Scott and Shelley discuss what 2025 may look like for Matthew’s Hope and the guests they serve. From fears and concerns surrounding the implementation of Florida’s anti-camping law to expectations for the incoming administration, find out how these issues may impact you and your community.

Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties in order to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #newyear #2025

“There’s nothing better than to see that light go back on in somebody’s life” ~Pastor Scott

In Episode 61 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley share some of their most memorable, most challenging, and most inspiring stories from 2024. Guests that made an impact of them and their staff, guests they were able to make an impact on, and one particular guest that is about to take another huge step in their journey towards independence and self-sufficiency.

Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today.

To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/

#homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness

“You came back.”

In Episode 60 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, Pastor Scott and Shelley share how their guests are sometimes surprised to see their mobile teams return and exclaim “you came back.”

During the Season of Giving many people are moved to give of their time, talents and treasures but once the new year begins most return to their normal routines. But the need of Matthew’s Hope and their guests continues throughout the year.

Building trust by learning their guests’ names and returning to help time after time after time is a fundamental part of the mission of Matthew’s Hope.

If you would like to become a sustaining donor, please visit: www.MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today.

#homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #seasonofgiving #christmas