Immokalee homeless shelter set to close at the end of June

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (WINK)— St. Matthew's House will stop operating the Immokalee Friendship House Homeless Shelter on June 30, according to a statement from President and CEO Ben Bridges.

The St. Matthew's House website says that between their two shelters, Friendship House and the Campbell Lodge, the organization serves more than 1,100 men, women, and children who experience homelessness every year.

The decision follows an evaluation of how the organization can best use its resources across Southwest Florida. Bridges said the organization is working to transition the shelter to a partner organization to ensure continuity of care in the Immokalee community.

"As the needs of the Immokalee community change, we are seeking the highest and best use of the facility as well as the most effective agency to operate," Bridges said.

No staff members have been terminated as part of the transition. St. Matthew's House is working with affected employees to explore opportunities within the organization or to support them in securing other employment.

The organization's food distributions in Immokalee will continue. St. Matthew's House is working with each resident to ensure they have appropriate next steps and access to continued support.

The transition is part of a broader effort to align programs and resources with where the organization sees the greatest measurable outcomes. St. Matthew's House focuses on helping individuals battling hunger, homelessness, or addiction move from crisis to stability and independence.