We are excited to join our community partner, The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden at their Screaming Green Halloween event this coming Saturday, October 26th from 10 am - 2 pm. Bring the family for an educational and spooktacular time!
October offers a unique opportunity to reflect on some of the most critical causes that shape our work at Samuel’s House. It is a time for awareness, reflection, and action, and we encourage everyone in our community to join us as we reflect on the significance of this month and its role in raising awareness for several important causes, especially those closely aligned with our mission as a sober living emergency shelter for women and children. From Breast Cancer Awareness to Substance Abuse Prevention and Domestic Violence Awareness, October provides an opportunity for education, advocacy, and support.
As we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we are reminded to celebrate life’s abundance by recognizing the gift of health and the importance of early detection and education. Early detection saves lives, and we encourage all women in our community to stay informed about regular screenings and self-exams. The emotional and financial burdens of breast cancer can be overwhelming, especially for women facing homelessness or transitional living situations. Our goal is to provide resources and support to help women prioritize their health even in the most challenging circumstances. We strive to educate our residents about the importance of mammograms and access to medical services, partnering with local health organizations, Zonta and Womankind to provide referrals and screenings. For many women who are fighting both personal battles and the stress of housing insecurity, knowing they are supported through this journey is invaluable.
One of the most powerful ways to honor Breast Cancer Awareness is through acts of service. We encourage everyone to get involved, whether it’s by volunteering at a local shelter, donating to causes that align with their values, or participating in community service events. The impact of such actions ripples through our community, reminding us of the interconnectedness we all share.
As the month progresses into Substance Abuse Prevention Month, we invite everyone to assess where more harmony or deeper healing might be needed in their own lives, while offering support to those who need help finding stability and peace. Substance Abuse Prevention Month Substance Abuse Prevention is another crucial focus in October, and one that hits close to home for us. As a sober living facility, we are deeply committed to helping women reclaim their lives from the grips of addiction. October offers a chance to emphasize the importance of prevention, recovery, and the lifelong journey toward sobriety. We provide a safe, supportive environment where women can break free from addiction, working closely with them to set goals for lasting recovery. Substance abuse often affects entire families, which is why we also focus on breaking the cycle for children in our shelter. We educate mothers on the importance of creating a substance-free home environment, offer counseling, and connect them with community resources to assist them in their recovery journey.
Many women who come to Samuel’s House have fled abusive relationships. Domestic violence is a devastating issue, and October shines a light on the need for prevention, support, and safety for survivors. We provide a safe haven for these women and children, offering case management and counseling services to help them heal and rebuild their lives. • Mental Health Awareness: Many of our residents struggle with mental health issues, which can be exacerbated by trauma, homelessness, and substance abuse.
We often see families mourning the loss of stability, safety, or connection due to domestic violence or addiction. This October, we encourage you to pause and reflect on how you can help restore hope and dignity to those around you. As we continue to provide safe housing, essential needs, and supportive services, we do so with gratitude for the partnerships and community support that makes it possible.
October is not only a month of awareness but a month of action, reflection, and compassion.
We encourage everyone to get involved this month by learning more about these causes, volunteering, and supporting organizations like ours that provide critical resources to those in need.
Teddy takes his duties seriously, especially when it comes to floor cleaning. Not only does he greet everyone with his adorable face, but he also doubles as our best “vacuum cleaner.” Whether it’s shredding paper or sweeping up crumbs, Teddy’s paws are always on the job! He may be small, but he cleans up with more enthusiasm than any machine!
We want to express our deep gratitude to The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys whose grant funds made it possible to complete a beautiful new outdoor pergola and space at one of our facilities. This addition is more than just a structure—it represents new opportunities for the women and families we serve. The new pergola provides a safe, comfortable environment where mothers can utilize laptops to study or work on their program goals, all while being able to watch their children play nearby.
This space is a vital resource, offering a sense of normalcy, peace, and productivity for the residents of the Mary Spottswood Women's Center as they work towards stability and independence. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from our community, whose contributions allow us to enhance our services and improve the lives of those we serve. Together, we’re building a brighter future for women, children, and families in Key West. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us! At Samuel's House Inc., we are dedicated to providing shelter, food, and support services to the homeless population in our community. Our goal is to help those in need get back on their feet and become self-sufficient.
At Samuel’s House, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the countless blessings upon blessings we receive every day. From the unwavering support of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors to the resilience and strength of the families we serve, our hearts are full. Words cannot fully express our appreciation for the community that stands with us, ensuring that women, children, and families in need find shelter, hope, and a path to a brighter future. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission and for continuously showering us with your kindness and compassion.
On May 3rd CPI Security blessed Samuel's House with 110 of their staff members who volunteered while visiting Key West on a corporate retreat.
A connection initially made with us 10 years ago through our beloved Cheryl Cates and reconnected with us again through our treasured board member Jackie Herbst.
These generous, kind and enthusiastic volunteers painted the exterior of the shelter, the white gate inside and out, the sheds and conex box as well as all the doors.
They donated their precious time, supplies to paint and made a donation toward the much needed replacement of our computers.
On June 5th Samuel's House Board Member Casey Arnold and his Southernmost Scavenger Hunt team (Shannon Mahaffey, Jay, Casey Patton and Mack Desmond) hosted a 160-person Scavenger Hunt for a corporate retreat staying at the Casa Marina who wanted to give back to a local organization in a fun and exciting way. They decided on a Back-Pack-Give-Back Program!
26 Teams were given 3 backpacks each with the goal to stuff them full of school supplies while out on the Scavenger Hunt in Key West. As a result this amazing group donated
backpacks filled with to the brim with more than $7500 of schools supplies.
Thank you Casey Arnold, The Southernmost Scavenger Hunt team, the generous Corporation, Key West Monopoly, Mandy Bolen Miles and Britt Myers at The Keys Weekly Newspapers for covering this blessing and ALL who contributed to this blessing.
This month we are proud to highlight the services of one of our Community Partners, employU. employU is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through comprehensive employment services.
employU offers a range of personalized programs including job coaching, pre-employment training, and career counseling, designed to help clients develop the skills necessary for sustainable and fulfilling employment.
Their holistic approach focuses on each person’s unique abilities, providing a path to success tailored to their specific strengths and goals. For our residents, especially those facing additional challenges like disabilities, employU’s support opens new doors to independence and self-sufficiency. Through their vocational rehabilitation services and specialized programs for adults and youth, employU works hand-in-hand with clients to build career paths, offering long-term solutions that align with personal and professional aspirations.
This collaboration has been instrumental in helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community gain confidence, job readiness, and employment opportunities. We are deeply grateful for employU’s commitment to fostering inclusive employment, and we look forward to continuing our work together to uplift those in need. For more information about employU and their impactful programs, visit their website at https://employu.org/
Click the link below for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council's event calendar
The mission of Samuel’s House, Inc. is to provide housing in a nurturing environment for homeless women, women and men with children, and intact families; and to provide them with care coordination beneficial to their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Samuel’s House Inc., is a registered 501 (C) (3) nonprofit serving basic needs to homeless women, women and men with children, and intact families in
Monroe County, Florida.
2. Samuel's House, Inc. Digital Flyer (pdf)
DownloadLearn more about our upcoming events, fundraisers, and more!