About

At St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, the Community Garden Cottages program provides transitional homes for three community members who are working toward long-term housing stability. Transitional housing serves as a vital bridge between emergency shelter and securing permanent housing.Each resident receives:

Our goal is to offer a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for individuals on their journey to permanent housing.Launched in 2023, the program is already making a meaningful impact—our first residents are expected to transition into their own permanent homes early next year.

Guest Story

Before I came to St.Matthews church I was in a homeless shelter, where I was using drugs and smoking cigarettes regularly. At 47 years old September 9th of 2024 I had two heart attacks due to my years of meth use and smoking. After my 3.5 weeks hospital stay I was placed in a medical facility for 3 months to help my heart recover. I was then given the opportunity to interview for the cottage at St.Matts.I've found the support of every Cottages team member to be super helpful in my life’s journey. Thanks to the Ear of listening and heart behind it I have been able to process my madness in my own mind.Thanks to the whole team for believing in me and supporting me I'm able to say I'm still without drugs and alcohol as well as not smoked since September 9th 2024. I've got a job and safe place to live. My life looks great. THANK YOU ST. MATTSFrom S.A., former Cottages guest

Case Management

Our case manager walks alongside guests on their journey from homelessness to stable housing, providing personalized support in three critical areas:Income: We help guests secure employment or connect them with benefits they qualify for—researching opportunities, navigating applications, and creating action plans. Most importantly, we offer encouragement and advocacy so no one faces these challenges alone.Housing: We enroll guests in every housing program available, identify affordable rental opportunities, and develop creative solutions to overcome past barriers. As guests build stable income, we work with them on budgeting to find housing they can sustain long-term.Well-Being: We connect guests with health insurance, medical care, and mental health resources—because stable housing requires stable health.Our case manager also coordinates across our entire team—peer support specialists, financial coaches, and on-site staff—ensuring each guest's needs are met with dignity and respect. We believe in our guests' right to make their own decisions, and we're here to celebrate their victories and help navigate obstacles.Every guest deserves someone in their corner. Your support makes that possible.