In July 1991, the vision was formulated with our founders of Matthew House who were three African American men who not only served our country, but had the compassion and belief that “people were our greatest strength. In 1992, Matthew House secured it’s 501 (C) (3) dedication and opened its first site on January 4, 1993.
Derrick David Stinson
Cecil D. Martin
Deceased
Elvin J. Carey
Deceased
For 30 years, Matthew House, a nonprofit community-based organization, has provided food, daytime shelter, permanent supportive housing, and supportive services to men, women, families, and children who are experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless.
Our records continue to demonstrate that 70% or more of the population served by Matthew House are chronically homeless, and at least 50% have been homeless for 5 to 10 years. As a result of observing our population trends, our Executive Director was able to initiate a study completed by the Mayor's office, which confirmed that the face of homelessness in Chicago has changed.
Matthew House offers daytime supportive services to a non-gender specific population. We are currently the only safe haven for homeless individuals on the South Side of Chicago. Matthew House fulfills its mission by first addressing emergency needs, such as food, daytime shelter, clothing, showers, and assisting clients in finding overnight shelter. Once emergency needs have been met, our case management staff works with clients to address the long-term needs such as housing, employment, health, and social support needs.
Our core program services include:
1. Daytime Emergency Homeless Services
2. Case Management / Housing Assessment
3. Scattered Site Permanent Supportive
4. SNAP Employment Services
5. Job Readiness Center
6. Domestic Violence Intervention / Referral
Our Daytime Emergency Services programs consist of two meals a day, access to shower and grooming, change of clothes, access to a mailing address and other essential homeless services
Matthew House case management services address our clients' social service needs such as replacing state ID and assistance in completing various applications geared to assist clients in ending their plight with homelessness as quickly as possible.
All Matthew House clients can access our computer Learning Center which supports our job readiness and job placement programs. The Learning Center offers of daily testing and skills assessment, tutoring, and computer literacy classes. Matthew House has aligned itself with linkage partners for specialty services such as, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence matters.
Matthew House offers scattered-site permanent supportive housing for men and women throughout Chicago that provide safety and independence for the population we serve. In addition, each of our residents is given personalized support services from one of our case managers, access to the Learning Center, health services, and employment assistance.
There are many organizations and people who support Matthew House:
Illinois Department of Human Services
All Chicago
Department of Family & Support Services
Heartland Alliance Health
Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
Combined Federal Campaign
Many Foundation, Corporate, and Individual Donors
