More than 200 individuals who experience homelessness in Tampa find shelter each night at Tampa Hope. Now, thanks to the new Matthew 25 Community Center, they will have a place to be restored and renewed with simple but essential amenities, such as a laundry room, showers, hair salon, kitchen and dining area.

“This building is a game-changer for Tampa Hope and for this community,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes, who led the community in a prayer of blessing over the space and sprinkled holy water throughout each room.

Approximately 100 supporters attended the ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony on September 22, 2025, including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. The City of Tampa partnered with Catholic Charities in 2021 to open Tampa Hope on a lot east of Ybor City.

“What a great day for the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa Bay area,” said Mayor Castor. “What is inside of this building may seem simplistic, showers, and laundry facilities. But really, those who enter are entering a life changing location and something that is going to restore their hope, their dignity and respect as well,” added Mayor Castor.

Drew and Susan Peloubet, a local Catholic couple, provided funding for construction of the $1.5 million Center.

“We see this as a gift that we get to be a part of this,” said Drew. “Tampa Hope gives dignity to those who don't get a lot of dignity in their lives. Here they get seen, and here they get embraced, and here they get love, the love of Christ,” added Drew.

Tampa Hope provides shelter for up to 235 men and women daily with plans to expand to 365 shortly and 400 longer-term. Clients are provided meals, clothing, case management services and through Catholic Charities directly or partnerships with local social service agencies, access to transportation, education, employment and benefits assistance, substance abuse and mental health counseling and medical care. Since opening, Tampa Hope has served over 1,550 homeless women and men since opening with over 550 successfully transitioning from the shelter.

“The Matthew 25 Community Center is yet another step in our effort to continually provide the best care possible to our clients”, said Maggie Rogers, Catholic Charities Executive Director. “We are grateful to Susan and Drew for their generosity and commitment to our mission to help the homeless of Tampa.”

Did you know?

The Matthew 25 Community Center is named after the well-known Bible passage where Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).