Promotional Feature
Hope for the Best
Matthew’s Hope is changing the trajectory of home-lessness through accountability, dignity, and hands-on compassion—led by those who’ve lived it themselves.
The best outcome for the homeless men, women, and children in our communities is that they attain the spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing they will need to be able to return to the independent, productive lives they once knew. Scott Billue, founder of Matthew’s Hope, is someone who has personally experienced homelessness and knows firsthand what it takes to make that difficult journey.
“Most people think a homeless person living on the streets got that way because of drugs, or alcohol. That they are somehow inferior human beings and deserve what they get. That is so untrue and hurtful. It is, in fact, loss that drives the majority of folks to the streets. Loss of a job, loss of a spouse or child, physical trauma like a car wreck, physical loss from illness and disease, mental or emotional instability. Drugs and alcohol usually appear later as they try to cope.”
The mission for Matthew’s Hope, since its inception 15 years ago, has always been to learn what the face of homelessness looks like, what causes it, and, most importantly, the best ways to head it off. What they learned very quickly is that money alone is not the answer. It provides food, shelter, and medical care, but that is only the start.
“The best way to change the trajectory of a homeless person’s life is through accountability,” Scott says. “Teach them to work and be responsible for their own lives. The pride and dignity that result will be powerful tools to help put them on the right path. Our workshops and programs work. And when I see it happen, you can’t imagine the joy it brings.
“Donny came to us during the pandemic. He had severe mental health issues and trauma from a head injury. Today, he’s working with our mobile teams in the same areas he used to live. A few more stories like that, different but with similar outcomes—Shannon who is now a director for us, Greg who runs our Hope Chest Wood Shop, and John in our other wood shop—are only the tip of our considerable iceberg.”
The best is yet to come!
Only 6% of Matthew’s Hope’s yearly budget is tax payer-funded. Donations make up the rest. And still, they have plans to expand their counseling and mental health programs. They are adding to their medical capabilities. And they’re currently bringing several Greyhound-like buses online, outfitted like train sleeper cars, to extend their reach even further. The buses sleep 19 to 20 people in private “pods” with some accommodations for pets!
“The future looks bright in the dark corners we work within. We go into the places no one wants to go. We get to know the people stuck there, develop relationships, and walk them out to something better.”
