Casa Mateo
You're invited to celebrate the Grand Opening of Casa Mateo!
Sunday, June 2nd from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
13125 Indianapolis St, Houston, TX 77015
Please RSVP to let us know you're coming:
OUR MISSION
Casa Mateo welcomes displaced immigrants and asylum seekers by offering hope, hospitality and support services in an effort to promote self-sufficiency. Our goal is to create a shelter where vulnerable people who lack access to housing and basic necessities can resolve their immediate crises and begin rebuilding their lives.
OUR STORY
In 2019, parishioners from Christ Church Cathedral began traveling to the southern border to learn more about the crisis associated with increasing numbers of people fleeing to the US. They visited shelters and refugee encampments, and met with government officials and community leaders. They spent time with individuals who had left their countries of origin to escape violence, persecution, and devastating poverty. Most had no access to food, shelter, medical care or knowledge of how to navigate our country’s legal asylum process.
In early 2022, the same parishioners visited an emergency shelter in Houston that was inundated with men, women and children from all over the world who were desperately seeking help. Arriving with articles of clothing and a willingness to serve, they realized that the demand for another shelter that could offer comprehensive services far outweighed the need for donations or volunteers. Through meetings with leaders from the City of Houston, nonprofits and other faith-based organizations, they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and pleas to build a new shelter. Inspired by the model of a successful Austin-based shelter serving asylum seekers and displaced immigrants, they proposed the creation of a similar facility in the city of Houston. The Episcopal Diocese of Texas generously offered a 6-acre campus and building, Christ Church Cathedral granted seed funding to make the needed modifications to the campus, and Casa Mateo was born.
OUR PROGRAM
Upon its opening in early 2024, Casa Mateo will provide shelter to accommodate up to 10 families, or 50 individuals, for up to 90 days. During their stay, Casa Mateo will provide these families the needed help to create a foundation for success and sustainability in a new country.Services will include access to health care, counseling, legal assistance and ESL classes. Additionally, Casa Mateo will work to help families find permanent housing and assist with school enrollment. Casa Mateo will have the ability to shelter and serve over 200 family members a year with space and plans to grow.
IMPACT
Most asylum seekers want the opportunity to live in a safe environment where they can create a healthy and productive life for their families. They are filled with hope and the desire to work and educate their children, but often do not possess the tools or resources to fulfill these goals. The availability of safe shelter not only staves off homelessness in our community, but also protects this vulnerable population from threats of crimes such as human trafficking and extortion. Offering hope through hospitality, along with other vital resources, Casa Mateo provides an opportunity for families to not only survive, but to thrive in our community.
HOW TO HELP
Through generous gifts from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, Christ Church Cathedral, and other donors, Casa Mateo has a campus and initial funds to begin the development of this much-needed shelter. We are actively seeking partners to help fulfill our mission. Over the course of the next year, our Board of Directors and other volunteers will be working to raise money to complete the space, hire staff and begin operations. For more information, please contact [email protected].
