The West Orange Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed its newest trustee members. Matthew's Hope and The Experience Christian Center signed on two trustee levels. 

Helping Community

In a report with Orange Observer, both nonprofits are faith-based. The local organizations showed support for their community through their ministries. 

Matthew's Hope Ministries is a private organization. It focuses on homeless outreach programs and receives funding from the local community. 

It also serves residents of West Orange County. Staff and volunteers provide guests with resources and services that they need. 

According to the news report, the nonprofit celebrated a ribbon-cutting for its new medical facility. 

The center aims to provide preventive and triage care for medical and mental health issues. 

Matthew's Hope Ministries

In a report with WFTV, the nonprofit was one of those who stepped up and opened its doors to the homeless. 

During the recent cold snap in January, the organization opened its emergency shelter for the first time in years.

There are an estimated 5,000 homeless people in Orlando. The nonprofit wanted to do what it could to help.

Sydney Jones was one of those who received help from the nonprofit. He said that the winds were strong, and he only had a blanket to protect him.

Jones was grateful for the ministry. He was staying in an abandoned house for shelter from the cold. When he received word that the nonprofit was going to help him, he could not believe it.

The nonprofit provides hot meals to homeless people every week. 

Matthew's Hope Ministries also has a food pantry for those who need resources. According to the nonprofit website, they receive no funding from the government and rely on donations. 

Among the most requested items, the food pantry needs are nonperishable goods and bottled water. They also need essential hygiene products for the homeless community. 

The Experience Christian Center

The Experience Christian Center was also one of the new trustees. The nonprofit invested at the Supporting Trustee level of membership. 

The Christian church is home to over 1,600 members. It has served more than 148,000 residents through different outreach efforts. 

According to the report with Orange Observer, The Experience Christian Center is committed to "creating Godly experiences."

Bishop Derrick McRae told the news outlet that the church hopes to build greater community relationships. He added that The Experience Christian Center commits to helping more people through its outreach programs. 

About Bishop Derrick McRae

According to the website, his life and ministry have demonstrated a "caliber of leadership and insight beyond his years." He is also an instructor, preacher, lecturer, motivational speaker, and mentor. 

Bishop McRae is also the President of the African American Council of Christian Clergy. He is the Chaplain at Saints Academy School and mentors at Lockhart Middle School. 

Besides pastoring and mentoring, he also serves the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida. He is part of Orange County Parks and Recreation, My Brother's Keeper Orlando, and Orlando Economic Partnership Taskforce. 

Bishop Derrick L. McRae is married to Lady Taja C. McRae. They have three children: Brailon and Derrick II and Kayla.

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