Fixing Homes, Building Hope
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
One of the most rewarding parts of my role at United Way Charlotte County is connecting with the people and organizations that quietly keep our community going. Last year, I had the opportunity to tour the St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference in Punta Gorda, and I walked away deeply moved.
Entirely run by volunteers, the Sacred Heart Conference is one of four Society of St. Vincent de Paul groups in Charlotte County—but its reach is mighty. From the moment I stepped inside, I could feel the heart behind the work: a mission not just to meet material needs, but to offer hope, dignity, and compassion to those who may be experiencing some of the hardest moments in their lives. Their most important work is giving hope to those in need—reducing anxiety and hardship through material support like food, furniture, and household goods, while connecting people with other vital services to help stabilize their lives.
One of the most unique and impactful ways the Sacred Heart Conference puts this mission into action is through its Fix It Ministry.
This ministry helps low-income homeowners in Charlotte County with essential home repairs—especially those who are elderly, disabled, or physically unable to do the work themselves. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, many residents are still living in damaged or unsafe homes. Leaking roofs, rotting floors, broken doors, and dangerous wiring aren’t just inconveniences—they’re threats to health, safety, and housing stability. For people living on the edge financially, these repairs can feel impossible.
A team of skilled and compassionate volunteers visits homes, assesses repair needs, and either completes the work themselves or coordinates with licensed professionals when necessary. The repairs may be small—patching drywall, installing handrails, replacing flooring—but the impact is enormous. These aren’t just home improvements. They are acts of care and protection that allow people to stay in their homes with dignity.
To keep this work going—and growing—the Fix It Ministry is actively seeking more able-bodied volunteers. If you have basic handyman skills, construction experience, or even just a willing spirit, your time can make a real difference. The Sacred Heart team provides guidance and support; you provide the heart and hands.
In addition to skilled repair help, the Sacred Heart Conference also welcomes volunteers who speak multiple languages. Many individuals who stop by for assistance are non-English speakers, and having multilingual volunteers helps ensure they are welcomed, understood, and connected to the help they need with respect.
Right now, all four St. Vincent de Paul conferences in Charlotte County—Sacred Heart, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and San Antonio—are feeding more families than ever before. Food insecurity continues to grow, and donations of nonperishable food are urgently needed. If you’re able to contribute, food donations are gratefully accepted at each location to help meet this rising need.
If you’re looking for a way to give back that’s both practical and deeply meaningful, I encourage you to get involved. With every repair, we’re not just fixing homes—we’re restoring hope. For more information about volunteering, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/FixitMinistry
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.