Samuel’s House is highlighting the continued need for shelter, stability and support for women and families in the Florida Keys while inviting the community to get involved through several upcoming fundraising and volunteer opportunities.
Maria Protopsaltis of Samuel’s House joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the organization.
Samuel’s House serves women and children experiencing homelessness, and the organization has been responding to a growing need since opening its emergency homeless shelter in 1999.
“We opened our doors for the emergency homeless shelter, which is now the Mary Spotswood Women’s Center, and we opened that October 1, 1999,” Protopsaltis said.
Since then, Samuel’s House has expanded its services, opening Kathy’s Hope in 2007 and Casa de Meritas in 2010. In May, the organization also partnered with Keys Health, formerly known as FKOC, to take over its women’s transitional program.
Samuel’s House plays a unique role in the community because it is the only nonprofit in the Florida Keys that accepts homeless women with children.
“We’re the only nonprofit that accepts homeless women with children,” Protopsaltis said. “We are essentially what we are doing, and we’re the only ones doing it.”
That need has made community support particularly important to the organization.
One upcoming opportunity to support Samuel’s House is Catterdays at Sloppy Joe’s, which begins Saturday and will continue throughout the month. Volunteers will be at the popular Key West establishment from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., working in shifts to raise awareness and funds for the organization.
“We’ve got a great group of volunteers,” Protopsaltis said. “We’re just asking everyone, come on out, come on out to Sloppy Joe’s and see us. Say hi, talk to us about our mission, ask us how you could help, because we do have a lot, a lot of ways you can help.”
Samuel’s House is also accepting applications and expressions of interest from women who may benefit from housing at Kathy’s Hope.
“We have openings at Kathy’s Hope, and we’re accepting applications, interest for that,” Protopsaltis said.
The facility includes private bedrooms and bathrooms, along with shared kitchen, living room and balcony spaces. Protopsaltis said the housing could provide an affordable option for women who are struggling to find a place to live.
“If you are a woman, a single woman, or a single mother, you’re a woman or a woman with children, we have openings at Kathy’s Hope,” she said. “It is a beautiful facility.”
Those interested in learning more about Kathy’s Hope or determining whether the program is a good fit can contact Samuel’s House at 305-296-0240 or email Protopsaltis at [email protected].
Samuel’s House will also participate in Dollar Day Tuesdays throughout the month at 1416 Truesdell Court. Protopsaltis said volunteers are needed for that event, as well as additional activities planned for November.
The organization is also seeking volunteers to help with its Holiday Village booth, an event hosted by Wesley House Family Services in early December. Protopsaltis said Samuel’s House received the award for best overall booth last year and hopes to return with another strong showing.
Protopsaltis encouraged anyone who wants to help, volunteer or learn more about the organization’s services to reach out.
“We are hearing the call of the community and we’re stepping up,” Protopsaltis said. “We’re rising to it and we’re answering. So please do not hesitate to give us a call. Send us an email. We’d love to hear from you.”
More information about Samuel’s House and its programs is available at SamuelsHouse.org.