Matthew's Light is a nonprofit born from a deep compassion for the homeless, led by Ed and Diane Reynolds and a dedicated team of volunteers. Inspired by Matthew 25:35-40, they have been serving those society often overlooks since 2013. Although the official nonprofit wasn’t founded until 2021, the work was already well underway, with the team providing meals, clothes, shoes, blankets, hygiene products, resources, and, most importantly, hope to those in need.
Operating entirely ... Read More
Matthew's Light is a nonprofit born from a deep compassion for the homeless, led by Ed and Diane Reynolds and a dedicated team of volunteers. Inspired by Matthew 25:35-40, they have been serving those society often overlooks since 2013. Although the official nonprofit wasn’t founded until 2021, the work was already well underway, with the team providing meals, clothes, shoes, blankets, hygiene products, resources, and, most importantly, hope to those in need.
Operating entirely through the power of over 100 volunteers and a very small budget, Matthew's Light is driven by a deep commitment to make a meaningful difference. Together, they’re taking a bold step from merely making life on the streets more bearable to creating Cana Village—a transformative vision to address homelessness at its roots.
Cana Village will transform 110 acres into a supportive community with 500 tiny homes, giving residents stability, purpose, and the resources to move forward. More than just housing, Cana Village will offer a chance for people to rebuild and rediscover hope within a community that nurtures self-sufficiency and personal growth. With on-site counseling, adult education, job training, and other essential resources, residents will gain far more than shelter—they’ll have a clear path toward independence, supported by peer relationships, skills training, and job placement within an environment designed to foster healing and forward momentum.
Rooted in sustainability, Cana Village will be largely self-sustaining through community farming, alternative energy, and hands-on programs that build skills and confidence. Additionally, the village will feature neighborhoods dedicated to vulnerable groups, such as homeless veterans, offering them a stable, dignified place to call home.
But Cana Village is more than a sanctuary for its residents; it’s a space that invites the broader community to participate in its vision. Surrounding communities will be welcomed to explore the farmers market, enjoy fresh offerings at a farm-to-table restaurant, shop at the thrift store, and visit the craft markets. An amphitheater will host events, bridging gaps and fostering connections between residents and visitors alike.
Yet, the heart of Matthew’s Light remains on the streets, where it all began, and our street outreach efforts will never end. Cana Village is just one part of the solution, and as long as there are those in need, we’ll be there. In fact, we may just need to keep building more Cana Villages to provide true, lasting change for more lives.
Through Cana Village, Matthew's Light is reaching beyond immediate aid to create enduring transformation. This is a place where individuals can reclaim their lives with dignity and purpose, supported by a community that believes in second chances and the untapped potential within every person.
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