Matthew’s Hope helps more than 1,000 homeless people in one week

The nonprofit Matthew’s Hope in Winter Garden is asking the community for help. 

“For the first time in our 15+ year history, we surpassed over 1,000 touches in a single week,” the ministry said in a Facebook post. “That, along with (the) current shutdown and with speculation of SNAP benefits coming to a halt, we need all the help we can get.” 

The nonprofit asked businesses, clubs, churches and civic groups to hold a drive on their behalf. 

Matthew’s Hope also put out a list of immediate single-serve nonperishable food items: 

• Single-serve cereal cups 

• Tuna/chicken with crackers 

• Snack crackers 

• Granola bars 

• Ramen noodles 

• Canned and cups of vegetables 

• Shelf stable milk 

• Vienna sausage 

• Protein drinks 

• Single-serve coffee and Gatorade packets 

• Single-serve pasta cups 

• Fruit cups and canned fruit 

• Chili 

• Single-serve apple sauce 

Matthew’s Hope will be accepting donations daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at 611 Business Park Blvd., Winter Garden.