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THE PHILEO BLOG
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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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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! 
 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. 🌟Join Us in Spreading Faith and Love |
| 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!  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!  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! |
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!
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!
Tutu 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.
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).
 | 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!
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.🤍
"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. |  |
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!
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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!
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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!
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:
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:
 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.
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'!
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).
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).
 | 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.
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
-Can you remember a time when someone lent you a hand, gave you a word, or shared a hopeful thought that shifted your situation? You were in a rough patch, and that moment or action turned it around?
Love is the most powerful and healing gift humans have been endowed with. In Acts 3:6 we see how Peter experienced, one more time, God's love for His people through him: " I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Peter felt so much compassion for this man, lame from birth, that out of a deep flowing love, God's power manifested through miraculous healing!
I remember as if it was yesterday how, when Mom passed and created this big hole in my life, a bunch of friends extended a financial offering to help us with the funeral expenses; and how a dear close friend, by taking care of the Memorial program in her hands, lessened my overwhelm. Our family came from everywhere- California, Puerto Rico, and New York- to ease our sorrows and hug us through this time. Any separation, either from your loved ones (through death or disagreements), from your belongings, from your identity, can take a deep toll on anyone; but when the presence and warmth of community kicks in, people can breathe once more. I did. We did. God was with me, with us, through people. The Holy Spirit breathed on us, just like Jesus “breathed on them with the words 'Receive the Holy Spirit'." (Jn 20:22) (Big sigh!)
Love is the most powerful and healing gift humans have been endowed with. In Acts 3:6 we see how Peter experienced, one more time, God's love for His people through him: " I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Peter felt so much compassion for this man, lame from birth, that out of a deep flowing love, God's power manifested through miraculous healing!
I remember as if it was yesterday how, when Mom passed and created this big hole in my life, a bunch of friends extended a financial offering to help us with the funeral expenses; and how a dear close friend, by taking care of the Memorial program in her hands, lessened my overwhelm. Our family came from everywhere- California, Puerto Rico, and New York- to ease our sorrows and hug us through this time. Any separation, either from your loved ones (through death or disagreements), from your belongings, from your identity, can take a deep toll on anyone; but when the presence and warmth of community kicks in, people can breathe once more. I did. We did. God was with me, with us, through people. The Holy Spirit breathed on us, just like Jesus “breathed on them with the words 'Receive the Holy Spirit'." (Jn 20:22) (Big sigh!)
I am also familiar with homelessness for I have closely seen some of mine hopelessly struggle...
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Indeed, for a family close and dear to my heart, it was a job loss that threw them into a homeless situation, jumping from one family house to another, and sleeping in their car. Another of my family members temporarily stayed in his car after divorcing. With help, they did breathe, too.
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR SHARE OF LOVE? 'Betsy' may go through domestic violence and have to escape empty-handed, with no other choice than to hit the streets unsheltered and survive. 'Leo' may develop complications during a surgery, draining all his savings and never be able to go back to work, using his car as a shelter. More than ready to be healed and get back on their feet, I am confident in saying they have been praying for you, for a caring temporary 'push'. 
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You are part of this and God's community. When one of our own is hurting, when one of our own is in need, community rallies around and for people. Being cohesive and showing up as a loving village to lift a life up is what we're called to. Relief and transformation for that homeless battered woman or divorced is on the way. And, I pray is sooner than later! We've been called to be agents of change and transformation in a world in dire need of Jesus' manifestation through us! I say, let's use our love power! Through community, the Holy Spirit breathes pure emotional and spiritual oxygen! Thanks for partnering with those who are hurting and are without a home through The Phileo House. Thanks Holy Spirit, for your work in us , so we can extend the oxygen to those who can't breathe without help. Maribel Founder |