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Thank you for visiting the Immokalee Friendship House
online.
Description
of Organization:
The Immokalee Friendship House is an emergency homeless shelter
serving the needs of the Greater Collier County Area. We are a not-for-
profit 501(c)3 corporation governed by an all volunteer board of
directors. The Immokalee Friendship House was formally organized in
1987
and has provided services since that time.
Mission Statement:
FOLLOWING
GOD'S CALL TO SHARE OUR BREAD WITH THE HUNGRY, SHELTER THE
OPPRESSED AND THE HOMELESS, AND CLOTHE THE NAKED, THE IMMOKALEE FRIENDSHIP
HOUSE SEEKS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HOMELESS PERSONS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY
AND
TEMPORARY SHELTER, MEALS, AND SERVICES WHICH ENABLE THESE PERSONS
TO LOCATE
AND MAINTAIN PERMANENT HOUSING.
Where?: The Immokalee Friendship House is located
in Immokalee, a small
farming community, with 44.8% of its general population existing below
the
federal poverty guidelines. Immokalee is 44 miles Northeast of the
county
seat of Naples.
Who?:
We see people from all walks of life. Abused women, children,
migrant farm-workers, people recently discharged from the hospital
and
convalescing (we work with visiting nurses), people fighting addiction,
and
people who recently suffered a loss of income. We do not charge for
our
services. 80% of the staff at The Immokalee Friendship House is Bi-lingual.
How
Many?: The Immokalee Friendship House has a total bed capacity
of 40.
If Collier County declares an emergency we are authorized to double
our
capacity. We can house men, women, and families with children. We
house
about 1,000 unduplicated homeless persons annually. We serve about
30,000
meals annually.
How?:
Upon arrival clients are assessed and in-house assistance and
referrals are coordinated. A warm shower, and hot meal is provided
(3 meals
a day are provided including a bag lunch to take to work or out job
seeking). In the evening, clothes are washed, chores are done, AA
meetings,
support groups and counseling occurs. The Immokalee Friendship House
is
open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
How
much does it cost?: To house 1,000 people, feed 30,000 meals,
provide
referrals, counseling and a safe clean environment it costs a little
more
than $650,000.00 annually.
Who
Supports us?: The Immokalee Friendship House is an independent
not-for-
profit ecumenical organization. United Way support accounts for 19%
of our
annual budget, church donations 14%, foundations and grants 15%, business
and business groups 4%, State of Florida Department of Children and
Families
7% and individual gifts 41%.
How
can you help?: Come to Immokalee and see our operation in
action,
volunteer your time,financially support our mission. Just think a
$10.00
donation is enough to provide 27 hot nutritious meals. (As per independent
audit cost per meal = .37 cents).
Goals:
Use our space for community needs, such as Job Fairs, AA, Immokalee
Redevelopment Board meetings, Support Groups and English Classes.
We wish
to continue to meet the needs of our unique community through these
and
additional much needed initiatives. At some point we hope to be prepared
to
expand the mission as we do not have enough bed-space to accommodate
all.
Quick
Facts:
The current population of Immokalee is approximately 20,000. The population
of Immokalee swells to about 40,000 when it is picking season. The
occupancy rate of the Immokalee Friendship House follows this pattern;
in
season we reach 100-120% occupancy, out of season we reach 40 to 60%
occupancy. 85 cents on the dollar goes to client services.
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