In this episode of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley provide an update on their new sleeper bus program. The first bus has been delivered, and more are on the way. Learn what sparked this idea, how the program will work, and how the sleeper buses will integrate into all the other services Matthew’s Hope provides. 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 #unhoused #florida

“We shouldn’t be warehousing people.” ~ Tim McKinney In Episode 78 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Tracy and Pastor Scott are joined by Tim McKinney, CEO of United Global Outreach. Pastor Scott and Tim share some of the key ingredients required to achieve true transformation. Learn how simple things like treating all people with dignity can have a powerful impact on someone’s life when they are at their lowest point. Plus, they discuss the issues with our current shelter system and ways in which they could better serve the individuals that rely on them while also benefitting their surrounding communities. While Tim’s organization serves mostly impoverished people and Matthew’s Hope serves only those experiencing homelessness, there are similarities in the fundamentals that each are based on and the needs of the people they serve. Both are bringing attention and resources to populations that have traditionally not had voices of their own. 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 #unhoused #florida #bithlo #homelessshelter

“They’ve given me new life.” - Laurie In Episode 77 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Tracy are joined by Laurie as we continue our Real Faces of Homelessness series. Lori shares the story of how emergency open-heart surgery started her spiral into homelessness. A reminder of how quickly things can change and how it can happen to anyone. Hear how Laurie discovered Matthew’s Hope and how her future is so much brighter now because of them. The goal of this series is to combat many of the stigmas and prejudices that exist about those experiencing homelessness by introducing you to real people and real stories. 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 #unhoused #florida #realfacesofhomelessness #homelessnessshouldnotbeacrime Timestamps: 00:00-1:15 – Trailer 1:16-2:08 – Intros 2:09-6:04 - The importance of introducing viewers to the real faces of homelessness 6:05-7:17 – Laurie’s life before she became homeless 7:18-9:09 – The day that changed Laurie’s life and eventually led to her being homeless 9:10-10:41 – How quickly someone’s life can change through no fault of their own 10:42-11:49 – Coming to the realization that you are homeless, living in a car 11:51-13:42 – Being homeless and living in a car now that Florida has an “anti-camping” law 13:43-14:52 – Laurie’s ideas about homeless individuals before she became one herself 14:53-17:02 – Holding judgement until you actually know someone’s full story 17:02-19:48 – How Laurie became a guest of Matthew’s Hope 19:49-22:12 – When Laurie found out she would be moved into transitional housing 22:13-26:16 – Expectations for the Matthew’s Hope Moving Forward and Transitional Housing program 26:17-29:37 – Laurie’s future thanks to Matthew’s Hope 29:38-31:11 – Determining what Laurie’s end game will be after Matthew’s Hope 31:12-35:36 – Combatting stigmas and stereotypes about those experiencing homelessness 35:27-END – Laurie’s message to potential donors for Matthew’s Hope

In Episode 76 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Tracy continue their conversation with Titusville Mayor Andrew Connors. Titusville’s success is closely linked to the space program and that dependency brings uncertainty. Learn how the Titusville Police Department is responding to Florida’s anti-camping laws and doing more than simply moving people along or locking them up. Plus, how Mayor Connors is collaborating with other local leaders to help facilitate the success of the new Matthew’s Hope sleeper busses program. If you missed part I of this conversation, be sure to go back and watch episode 75. 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 #unhoused #florida #titusville #mayorandrewconnors Timestamps: 00:00-1:10 – Episode 76 Preview 01:11:11-2:07 – Introductions 2:08-9:55 – Planning public parks for everyone to use 9:56-14:58 – How Titusville is responding to Florida’s anti-camping law 14:59-16:36 – The cost of incarcerating unhoused individuals 16:37-19:30 – Mental Health and Homelessness 10:31-21:54 – Rocket Scientists that find themselves homeless 21:55-23:45 – Titusville’s Mental Health Hospital 23:46-24:57 – The Mayor’s role in bringing people to the table and facilitating partnerships 24:58-25:30 – We have become a selfish society and nobody cares about issues until it happens to them 25:31-32:40 – Update on the Matthew’s Hope sleeper bus project 32:41-33:57 – Trinity Oaks being highlighted in People Magazine 33:58-39:07 – How to measure progress in the efforts to tackle homelessness 39:08-END - Wrap

In Episode 75 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott is joined by Titusville Mayor Andrew Connors for Part I of a conversation about the homeless crisis in Florida. Learn what inspired the mayor to run for office and why he is so passionate about bringing various parties together to work towards a greater good. Plus, the causes, impacts and potential solutions to the homelessness crisis in Titusville and the surrounding municipalities. The first step was acknowledging that there was in fact a problem. 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 #unhoused #florida Timestamps: 00:00-1:15 – Trailer 1:16-2:08 – Intros 2:09-6:39 – Titusville Mayor Andrew Connors’ Background 6:40-8:52 – Talking to children about those experiencing homelessness 8:53-11:40 – Getting involved in volunteering and public service 11:41-13:49 – Titusville community working together to address homelessness 13:50-15:52 – Background on Titusville 15:53-17:30 – Prioritizing creating affordable housing 17:31-23:20 – Titusville’s homeless situation 23:21-26:00 – Factors fueling homelessness crisis in Titusville 26:01-END – Working alongside Matthew’s Hope to address homeless issues

In Episode 74 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Tracy and Shelley are joined by Courtney Woolbright, who is the Venue and Events Director for Matthew’s Hope and Trinity Oaks. Trinity Oaks of Matthew’s Hope is a beautiful event venue on the Brevard campus of Matthew’s Hope that offers unparalleled amenities while providing opportunities for the guests of Matthew’s hope while raising funds for the ministry. People Magazine recently featured the inspiring story of a community that pulled together to provide an unforgettable wedding for a bride suffering from a rare autoimmune disease. Hear every detail of how more than 20 vendors came together at Trinity Oaks to make this dream come true. 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 #unhoused #florida Timestamps: 00:00-1:17 – Trailer 1:18-2:30 – Intros 2:31-3:27 – Courtney’s background 3:28-4:34– Courtney’s eye-opening experience working with Matthew’s Hope 4:35-5:47 – Tour of the Matthew’s Hope Brevard campus 5:48-7:27 – Genesis of Trinity Oaks at Matthew’s Hope event venue 7:28-11:31 – Virtual tour of Trinity Oaks at Matthew’s Hope 11:32-13:21 – Telling people their wedding venue is at a homeless ministry 13:22-14:25– Reactions of people that tour Trinity Oaks 14:26-16:56 – How homeless guests assist with weddings and events 16:57-18:25 – Types of events that can be hosted at Trinity Oaks 18:26-26:31 – Viral wedding story of a woman battling a rare autoimmune disease that was featured in People Magazine 26:32-29:01 – Value of Trinity Oaks as a wedding venue 29:02-30:01 – Success of Trinity Oaks 30:02-END – Upcoming events at Trinity Oaks the public can attend

In Episode 73 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley answer a number of frequently asked questions that they often hear about the guests they serve. Aren’t they all drug addicts? Aren’t they dangerous? Aren’t they all just lazy? Aren’t they all crazy? These are just a few of the questions they often hear from people that are uninformed or misinformed about those experiencing homelessness. This episode is your chance to learn the answers to these questions and many more. 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 #unhoused #ministry #florida #homelesscrisis Timestamps: 00:00-1:14 – Trailer 1:15-1:47 – Introduction 1:48-3:58 – Are the homeless guests of Matthew’s Hope dangerous? 3:59-7:06 – Are most people that are experiencing homelessness drug addicts or alcoholics? 7:07-9:31 – Highly educated homeless guests of Matthew’s Hope 9:32-10:47 – Imagine one day having a job and home and the next day you have no paycheck and quickly find yourself homeless 10:48-13:41 – What other events or situations lead people to become homeless? 13:42-14:22 – Are all of the homeless guests that Matthew’s Hope serves crazy? 14:23- 16:69 – Why does Matthew’s Hope offer such a huge array of services? 17:00-18:35 – Are all homeless people just lazy and living off of the system? 18:36-19:37 – Why do so many people choose to be homeless? 19:38-21:46 – Repercussions of the overprescribing of opioids 21:47-24:02 – Are there still people that are not aware of the homeless crisis in our communities? 24:03-END – Any other FAQs? And closing thoughts

In Episode 72 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley share some of the most frequently asked questions they receive about Matthew’s Hope. What exactly is Matthew’s Hope? Is Matthew’s Hope s shelter? Is it dangerous to work at Matthew’s Hope interacting with so many people experiencing homelessness? How is Matthew’s Hope funded? Learn the answers to those questions and many more in this episode. 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 #FAQs #shelter #mentalhealth #ministry #podcast Timestamps: 00:00-1:17 – Trailer 1:18-1:49 – Introductions 1:50-2:08 – What is Matthew’s Hope? 2:09-2:39 – Do guests of Matthew’s Hope receive breakfast, lunch and dinner? 2:40-3:16 – How many days a week are you serving guests? 3:17-5:06 – Are there ways that the community can help feed your guests? 5:07-8:52 – What role do volunteers play at Matthew’s Hope? 8:53-10:54 – What is the significance of the different colored Matthew’s Hope shirts that are worn on your campuses? 10:55-13:49 – Why isn’t Matthew’s Hope a shelter? 13:50-19:17 – How is Matthew’s Hope funded? 19:18-21:51 – Visit guidestar.org to see all of the information about Matthew’s Hope and their financials 12:52-27:10 – Will Matthew’s Hope ever add a third campus? 27:10-END - Wrap

“You’re likelihood to succeed or fail was based on where you were born, and it just didn’t seem ok.” ~Tim McKinney In Episode 71 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Tracy and Pastor Scott are joined by Tim McKinney, CEO of United Global Outreach. Tim shares details about his efforts to transform the community of Bithlo in East Orange County, Florida after decades of neglect and lawlessness that created a forgotten wasteland of hazardous materials and dangerous living conditions. Learn the 10 elements that are necessary for any community to prosper and what strides have been made towards the rejuvenation of Bithlo. While Tim’s organization serves mostly impoverished people and Matthew’s Hope serves only those experiencing homelessness, there are similarities in the fundamentals that each are based on and the needs of the people they serve. Both are bringing attention and resources to populations that have traditionally not had voices of their own. 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 #transformationvillage #poverty #eastorangecounty #florida Timestamps: 00:00-1:15 – Trailer 01:15-1:40 – Introductions 01:41-2:42 – What is United Global Outreach and what is its involvement with Transformation Village in Bithlo, Florida 2:42-4:14 – Why did United Global Outreach choose Bithlo, Florida as a location to help? 4:15-7:29 – The history of Bithlo 7:30-9:41 – The challenges facing Bithlo, Florida today 9:42-16:06 – What is Transformation Village? 16:06-20:19 – Common ground & a shared commitment to their missions 20:20-22:10 – Solutions and overcoming challenges including tiny homes 22:11-25.25 – The importance of becoming stakeholders 25:26-31:10 – What role should government play in the work that non-profits are doing? 31:11-35:25 – The importance of being mission based 35:26-42:48 – The people of Bithlo and how they have been impacted by new laws 42:49-46:49 – All of this is a bridge, not an answer 46:50-5:13 – Wrapping up and promising more to come in the future