Winter Garden and its surrounding areas will see low temperatures starting Monday, Nov. 10, so Matthew’s Hope is preparing to open as a Freeze Warning Cold Weather Shelter that same evening.
Scott Billue said it will shelter homeless men, women and children in the community, as well as those who don’t have appropriate gear to stay warm.
“I'm going to feed a lot of people,” he said. “I'm going to be picking up people, sleeping a lot of people, running the heat. I mean, all the things that people don't think about that you have to do. Plus, overtime for the staff.”
To help the ministry become a shelter due to weather, Billue asks people to donate prepared meals and other ready-to-eat items:
• Butter
• Margarine
• Milk
• Juices (OJ, apple and cranberry)
• Cereal
• Snacks
• Coffee (Regular and decaf)
• Coffee creamer
• Salads (Ready-to-serve)
• Fresh Fruit
• Sweet iced tea mix
• Lemonade mix
Besides food, clothing and winter items can be donated to keep those in need warm. Here are some items you can drop off:
• Jeans
• Hoodies and sweatshirts
• Long-sleeve T-Shirts
• Lightweight winter jackets
• Lightweight blankets
• Pillows with cases
• White top sheets for twin bed
• Warm and lightweight clothing
• Running or mesh-styled shoes
• Cold weather socks
• Boxer briefs
• Hand warmers
Donations can be dropped from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at 611 Business Park Blvd, Winter Garden. To support financially: click here.
