Possible expansion of St. Matthew’s House facing opposition from nearby neighbors

Barbara has a shared room at the St. Matthew’s House Campbell Lodge Homeless Shelter.

After two years of living on the street, she is grateful for the temporary home.

She is one of the people served by St. Matthew’s House.

Now, St. Matthew’s House wants to add more beds at their homeless shelter but a nearby community is fighting against the expansion.

The nonprofit wants to give a place to stay to those on a waiting list for the shelter by adding about 50 beds in a space within the Campbell Lodge, at 2001 Airport Rd South, but Collier County has to sign off on the idea. St. Matthew’s first needs the Collier County Planning Commission to approve the plan and then the county commissioners will vote.

Opposition is mounting from people living in a nearby apartment complex called The Point at Naples.

“I was in the hospital, I fell, I’m an alcoholic. I came here for assistance, for guidance and I have no complaints,” Barbara said. They’re good to me and help me a lot.”

St. Matthew’s House CEO Steve Brooder said there are more people like Barbara who need help.

“We also have a waitlist at our homeless shelters,” Brooder said. “Meeting that need and affordable housing is an issue all across the country. But in Collier County, it’s really a high priority for us to work on.”

Director of Property Management Kristi Sinnott said the Point at Naples already has issues with the homeless living near the neighborhood.

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