THE PHILEO HOUSE FOR UNSHELTERED WOMEN
THE PHILEO BLOG​
​
Writings from our House's Heart
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6/13/2025

Our Power Through Prayer

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"The praying that makes a prayerful ministry is not the meager praying added only as flavoring to give it a pleasant taste. But, the praying must be in the body, form, blood, and bones. Prayer is no petty duty put into a corner. It is no piecemeal performance made out of the fragments of time that have been snatched from business and other engagements of life. The best of our time, and the heart of our time and strength, must be given to prayer." 
​E.M. Bounds-  Power Through Prayer, 1910

My heart shakes every time I read this, not in a judgmental way, but rather in a progressive convicting one. My simple, immediate reaction is to... pray.
Today, I cry out this simple prayer
before the throne, and want to invite you to join:

"Father, I believe in the power of prayer, would you help my belief? Would you help me comprehend further and deeper, even if through 'plainness', how a  fervent prayerful life is its substance? I still fall short of grasping your infinite greatness and vastness. Would you grant me to experience the power and spiritual magnitude found in you, as I connect and rest in you, both for me,  and your children? Would you let me be moved by that prayer-pull (towards you) that brings intimacy, and make us one? Would you help me see how praying in your name destroys strongholds, and shifts your Kingdom into the freedom for which you freed us? Can you elevate all my spiritual and physical senses to a higher plane and grant me a peek of how prayer aligns and
​brings heaven to earth?

​ Revive our encounter!
Let me see you face to face.

Help me long for and love you so violently, my beloved, that all I passionately desire is to sit with you, quietly paying attention to what you have to say, not letting your words out of my sight, keeping them within my heart, and obeying them.

Father, just like blood carries the oxygen in our vessels, may Your Spirit breathe the prayer oxygen in me, in us, until the resulting chemical reactions transform us into vessels of real love,  grace, submission,  humility and your truth.


​Let prayer be the backbone of The Phileo House, too, Lord.
​

Help us give YOU our prime energy and attention through that special connection every day, every moment, and be open to your promptings throughout the day,  Holy Spirit.
May prayer be our first priority, not our last resort. Help us to give you the best of our time, not the leftovers. Neither prayer be an afterthought, but our most inner core.
May we be the strong branches attached to you, The Vine, through prayer.
May we taste and see the goodness found within it,  wanting more and more of it, for it is YOU whom we'll  delight in... exactly as you did with the Father while you walked among us.
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​And, may each one of our prayers-- be  of gratitude, praise, or cries for help , deliverance,  healing, peace, clarity, or provision-- be the breath and the power source of our ministry. 
​ 

Only in that way will we see your power manifested in our weakness; and in our service to unsheltered women, their kids, and the world.

Thanks, Jesus, for your utmost sacrifice at the cross, for leaving our Advocate, the Holy Spirit, with and in us after going to the Father, and for sitting us in heavenly places with you.
 Thanks for the promise that as we draw near to you, you will draw near to us. You are our reason.

We trust you, Lord. Thanks for your faithfulness and unlimited grace.
In your Name, Jesus Christ, I pray, and rest,
​

Amen."
​What a compelling statement by Pastor Edward McKendree Bounds. Did it strike a cord within you? Would centering your heart in continuous prayer bring a more spacious perspective to your life? (1 Thes 5:17)

P.S. Thanks, dear friends and partners for surrounding us at The Phileo House with your love and intentional prayers.
​We are doing the same for you.

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3/3/2025

Love is on a mission!

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Yes, we can make a difference! We want to make a difference, and through Christ's love we can!  
The Phileo House For Unsheltered Women will transitionally  shelter, guide and empower women  in need through Christ when it will matter the most. 
If you haven't joined yet, don't wait any longer and meet us in the trail, from wherever you are. We can't wait to see you on this side!
​
#ACarIsNotAHome #LoveIsOnAMission  #TransitionalHomelessness

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2/26/2025

Walkathon New Dates!

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2/12/2025

Join the Movement: Walk to Empower Unsheltered Women and Children!"

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I find it great when I support  someone in need while I support  myself! Wouldn't you concur with me? If you are like that, I have an idea just for you!

You join our movement! You pull and lace up your old- or new- walking shoes ( oil your bike to get some road miles, even prepare your skates, or shake your arms to pickle-ball/swim), and STEP UP FOR THE PHILEO HOUSE from February 24th through March 23rd! You will be destroying unnecessary fat cells, increasing your energy, and building muscle mass, all while you bring a shelter, and much needed hope, to a family who has recently lost their home and safety. #ACarIsNotAHome. How about that!

And the beauty of it all is that you can do it from anywhere in the world,  set your own goals and pace, and finish it up in a month. Our Walk-A-
Thon (maybe Move-A-Thon whould have been a more appropriate name) will create a space of hope and empowerement for women,  and wellness for you at the same time. Double whammy!

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DON'T WAIT! GET STARTED!
IT'S SIMPLE
. 
​
Go to our event page here, and choose to  'register' or 'give'. When you register, you will be able to create your team, give it a name, and customize your own provided event webpage to share it with your world!🌍
Or, you can either simply choose to sponsor the participant of your choice. "The power is
​in your hands!"
​
Are you ready! Let's STEP UP FOR SHELTER and build The Phileo House for Unsheltered Women one step at a time. The need is NOW.
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I WANT TO WALK WITH YOU!

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2/8/2025

A MISSION 'SHIFT'

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We've been Spirit- led with a clear mission for our future at The Phileo House: to provide a safe haven exclusively for women and their children. This is all God guiding us, and showing us face to face women (and their youngsters) who need a transitional roof now, and how urgently needed is The Phileo House.
​
 
We all know the gut-wrenching reality of a mother and her kids having no choice but to live in a car, or share a place with many other people with unknown intentions. The weight of fear, shame, anger, and helplessness is all too real. Unfortunately, many of them feel inadequate, or do not speak the English language to either ask for help, or even reach out privately. Many more times that we know, they are either hiding from their closest family members, or  been pushed away for various reasons. No Job, no car, no roof, no reliable spouse or partner. Where do they restart from? How?

 This is where we step in. We've been called to bring something different: HOPE, SHELTER, and EMPOWERMENT. As we listened to the voice of the Lord, I am reminded of this Bible verse, which  has become palpable for us:

Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you".
Thanks to God's guidance, we are following the true plan he has in store for us. Too many women, and kids, are praying for The Phileo House to come about. This shift in mission  will bring it to completion faster, in Him and with His favor. Pivoting is just our way of replying with a resound YES and being obedient to God's call. We are blessed and grateful. May you continue linking arms with us and lifting The Phileo House in prayer.
God's blessings.

VOLUNTEER FOR THEM

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7/22/2024

A Phileo invitation to nonprofit & profit business leaders and YOU

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🌟Join Us in Spreading Faith and Love
​ at The Phileo House!🌟

​Dear Friends and Believers,
We are excited to be present as a new growing Christ-centered community in LinkedIn , and we want to extend a heartfelt invitation to 
join us. Rooted in faith and driven by love, The Phileo House is dedicated to making a positive impact through acts of compassion and service for the unsheltered folks in our community. It takes a village to raise an unsheltered life!
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​At The Phileo House, we embody the essence of "phileo," the Greek word for brotherly love and friendship. Our mission is to create a space where faith intersects with action, where every connection and contribution echoes the love of Christ as we serve the unsheltered fellows.
​

Why Connect with Us?
- Inspiration: Receive uplifting messages and stories of hope that strengthen your faith journey.
- Community: Engage with like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a difference in the world.
- Opportunity: Discover volunteer opportunities, events, and ways to support our causes.

​Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith, contribute to meaningful causes, or simply connect with others who share your values, The Phileo House on LinkedIn is where you belong.

Join us today and be part of a community that believes in the power of faith to transform lives and communities for the better. Together, let's spread love, hope, and compassion in every corner of the world.

Joining is so easy:
1. Visit our LinkedIn page: The Phileo House
2. Click "Follow" to stay updated with our latest news and activities.
3. Engage with our posts, share your thoughts, and connect with fellow members of our faith-filled community.
4. Or, click on the pictures! 


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​Thank you 🙌🏽for considering this invitation. We look forward to walking this journey of faith and love together as we elevate and empower our community members in need of a temporary home through The Phileo House!
​

Warm regards and blessings!

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4/15/2024

Tutus and Modular Homes

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Let's connect the dots.

Tutus are all about music, dancing, even history if you want to get deep and go further.

Modular home... a place that is all about enjoying a great space to be and be with, a cozy warm dwelling where dancing, listening to your favorite music, or even delving into history and culture, if you may, is possible at the most private and enjoyable level!

PictureTutu Dancing for Our Future Modular (or Non Modular) Phileo House during our Garage Sale
Well, check this out...
Whoever came to our event on April 6th Shop-For-A-Cause Garage Sale, was able to witness a tutu dancing to the beat of Waka-Waka by Shakira to honor purchases over $20 (yeah, that's yours truly...). But most importantly, the day was full of 'legacy' shopping, celebration and intention. Full of great weather, sun, hope and goals, desires and enthusiasm, and a large dose of commitment and obedience. Building The Phileo House  For The Unsheltered was that day, the star of the show, with our Lord pouring His favor over all present physically, and in prayer. 

Our future transformative home will be more than just a parking lot; it will shine as a restorative community, a safe haven, and a stepping stone to a brighter future and independence. Phileo -the greek word for brotherly love- will be present in every corner of our home through Christ. How dcouldn't i dance (in all transparency, it was only one time).
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Want to learn how we are building The Phileo House's foundation to start rewriting stories? Are you longing to bless through an organization to  break the cycle of homelessness one car a time? 

Pray, don't wait! Be a part of it! Partner with our love for the unsheltered by subscribing to our newsletter!
You can also Contact Us and/or leave an amazing legacy through your financial gift, your time and your prayers.
Dont miss our FAQ page for more info!

From Our Phileo-House to yours...
​receive much gratitude and love.
🤍

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12/12/2023

Vacations...Vocations

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"Papi,  why do you take us to the poorest regions  during each vacation trip? Aren't we supposed to just have fun?", I would ask him. To be honest, it was never irritating for me to play with all my new friends, and eat under their roofs during sizzling hot days. The food was divine, served with a unique joy, and I would care less about sweating, and getting my clothes  dirty and unlady-like. Yet I was curious. I, too, loved handing out coins and dollars to my newfound friends as prompted by dad, and spin endlessly in pirouettes and fainting-provoking  cartwheels together. 

Our father was raised in a very poor household. His dad died early in his 40's from a heart attack when he was 7 y/o. As part of an 11- siblings family, without a paternal figure, and no financial help you could say he raised himself. Life brought him ridicule, aloneness and a box of cigarettes as a child. He learned to fend for himself and developed strategies to survive.  What a way to be in constant hyperalert mode, and grow many heart layers rooting from sadness, anger and total independence from his Heavenly Father! 
This is how a 'vocation' was born, a calling carrying dad's fingerprints all over it. Papi's core was kind and compassionate, especially for the suffering, in spite of his stern facade and the controlling disposition he journeyed life with. No wonder how our family always ended in the poorest neighbors during vacation time. A time to get, and a time to give the 'forgotten' ones. What a well-carved reminder. A God-given gift was being purposefully developed: compassion and longing to help the less fortunate. 
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​God's imprint, signature, and protection, quietly behind the scenes, undoubtedly formed and fired it up.   Today He brings forth new kinds of fruit through this longing...calling: The Phileo House. Oh, Holy Spirit...
From 'vacation' to 'vocation'. An earthly dad ... a Heavenly Dad. What a deliberate and powerful recipe of unexpected collaborations and earthly events always gush from your Spirit to finish what you start! How magnificent is your well orchestrated plan! It always gives YOU glory! How closely you pay attention,  hear the cries, and  touch your people in significant ways! You are wonderfully intentional, strategic, orderly and merciful.  I am thankful beyond words. We are blessed to be called your children! Blessed be your name!
                                                             🤍


I dedicate The Phileo House to your memory, dad. Thanks for teaching me to be present for those in need.

I thank you, Heavenly Father, for your love in setting me up through such amazing experiences. They have made The Phileo House beginnings possible.
​

What experiences have shaped you up, positioned and transformed you into manifesting the person our Heavenly Father has created you to be? 
​Are you walking in your purpose? Who is that earthly person that encouraged and empowered you to follow your calling?
​   I pray for you and yours today. You have been given the power of the Holy Spirit!
​

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11/13/2023

Let's Get Clear on Homelessness

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Isn't it true that when you think of homelessness your brain tricks you into picturing an older gentleman, maybe barefoot, in dirty, stinky, ragged clothing lying on the curb of a street, or begging at road crosses? 
You may know this is just one type of homelessness, but we generalize it to others when we hear the word homeless.
In addition to chronic homelessness, defined as being homeless for 1 year or longer, there are other categories you may want to learn about, as the statistics available, and allocated resources are different. Let’s take a look:​
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A young regular woman can become a transitional homeless. This is one of our faces.
1. Episodic Homelessness- as the word suggests it is homelessness for on-and-off periods; or having been homeless 3 times or more within the last 12 months.

2. Transitional  Homelessness (our future residents)- This is the most common one, and involves short time (less than 12 months) homelessness. If left unaided, this has a large potential of becoming chronic. 
​Transitional homeless folks are regular people, like you and me, who were living paycheck to paycheck, but ended up losing their home due to unexpected situations. Because of the shame and guilt it carries, they end up sleeping in a car, couch surfing or staying in motels temporarily. 
The trauma-related physical and emotional symptoms such as anxiety, exhaustion, depression, suicidal thoughts, among others, also may prevent these human fellows to seek help.
It is why our transitional unsheltered people, have been called "invisibly homeless" and they are not seen on the streets nor  shelters, making statistics incomplete and unreliable. For example, even when it has been reported that there are 200,000 car dwellers at one point in time, we may be underestimating the count by a fair amount.​

With the new housing crisis the existing need for housing stability is unprecedented and much needed. Our co-sharing or co-living model can present a solution until the ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing results in housing stability.  Building a 14-BR home, expanding from small to large on vast acreage based on need, will bring the potential to embrace many vulnerable transitional unsheltered folks in Orlando, get them back to their normalcy through a transformative trauma-sensitive journey,  and with the additional outcome of preventing chronic homelessness!  
​Linking arms to rewrite these stories together is what our community is waiting for. 
Have additional questions? Visit our FAQ page 
here.​
Partner with The Phileo House and change the guilt of homelessness into success and affirmation of dignity!  Thanks for your 'Yes'!

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10/22/2023

As Light As Lego Blocks

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​I remember these words as if they were yesterday: "We don't have the money to keep paying for a motel so we can all take a shower and sleep on a mattress like we were several months ago"- from a family of 5 in distress. I can't begin to imagine sleeping in my home with all doors open at night (and no water) for months. This reminds me to be grateful every time, and to not forget to extend myself to others.
As we continue envisioning raising our structure up, I can't stop myself envisioning our community united,  bringing their blocks to the land, along with their enthusiasm, sharing a great homecooked meal (yum!) and cooperating, almost looking like kids, to building a majestic block castle together. Doesn't it remind you too of Jesus asking us to 
become like little children to get into the Kingdom of Heaven? (Mt 18:3).​
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​When you donate one block, 10 blocks, 1,000 blocks, you are bringing grace and deep relief through The Phileo House to those who are afraid while living in their vehicles. I already feel like 'little children'.
​Would you spread the word? Share our ministry and mission with your church, employer, friends, and those who have a heart for the homeless. Invite them over! Just one block can make a huge difference in sheltering a human being like us. 

IT IS EASY TO DONATE YOUR BLOCKS RIGHT HERE!
 You won't need to go to the hardware store nor carry  your heavy block to us! They will feel as 'light as lego blocks' to you. We'll do the "heavy work" for you...
​to make it light for them. 
​
​1 Corinthians 1:3-5 “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in everything you are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; our

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    Author

    Hi, I am Dr.Maribel, Founder of The Phileo House!
    The maximum expression of love is giving your life for another person. That's what a guy named Jesus did two centuries ago on a cross.  He is our Saviour. He is our CEO. He is God. He asks little of us: to co-labor with Him in stretching His outmatched love to the world, even our 'enemies'. This is our little grain of sand in His Kingdom... to be present and alleviate the suffering through a House with a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26) as He has taught us to. May your innermost being flow springs and rivers of living water as you read our writings from The Phileo's  heart. Blessings.

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The Phileo House Ministries
A 508(c)1a nonprofit organization
[email protected]
  • Home
  • MEET US!
    • FAQ
    • OUR STORY
  • PARTNERING WITH US
    • BECOME A VOLUNTEER!
  • EVENTS
  • ONE-BLOCK-AT-A-TIME
  • Phileo Blog
  • CONTACT US