Samuel’s House is expanding its efforts to provide shelter and support for vulnerable families in the Florida Keys while also seeking volunteers for a major fundraising campaign this fall.
Deputy Director Maria Protopsaltis joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5 FM to discuss the nonprofit organization’s mission and its ongoing need for community support.
Founded on Oct. 1, 1999, Samuel’s House operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Monroe County. The organization provides safe housing and support services for homeless women, women with children, and intact families.
Protopsaltis said Samuel’s House has continued to grow over the past 25 years, recently expanding into transitional housing through partnerships with the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition and AH of Monroe.
“We’ve continued to add buildings, add facilities, and most recently… we’re now involved in transitional housing,” Protopsaltis said.
She noted that Samuel’s House is one of the few shelters in the Florida Keys that accepts women with children, filling a critical need for families experiencing homelessness.
“We’re pretty much the only homeless shelter that accepts women with children,” she said. “It’s really important that we actually help, and we’re doing our part to restore families.”
The organization also announced that six renovated units are now available at Kathy’s Hope for single women and women with children. Those seeking housing assistance can call 305-296-0240 for more information.
In addition to financial donations, Samuel’s House is encouraging community members to volunteer during October’s “Catterdays” fundraiser at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West.
The month-long event, made possible through the Sloppy Joe’s Foundation, raises money for local nonprofits while giving volunteers an opportunity to interact with visitors, share the organization’s mission, and help with fundraising activities.
Protopsaltis said volunteers work in shifts throughout the month, helping with games, giveaways, and collecting donations while dressed in cat-themed costumes.
“We put the fun in fundraising,” she said.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Protopsaltis by text at 305-395-6250, send a message through Samuel’s House on Facebook, or contact the organization directly.
Samuel’s House also hosts several annual fundraising events, including Miss Island Queen and the Polar Bear Plunge, with proceeds supporting shelter operations and services for homeless women and families throughout the Florida Keys.
For more information, click here: https://samuelshouse.org/