Guadalupe Social Services
Serving those in need in Immokalee
ABOUT
Guadalupe Social Services, located in Immokalee, FL. is dedicated to serving individuals and families in need, embodying the spirit of empathy, resilience, and hope. Our comprehensive range of programs and services encompasses a wide spectrum of needs, addressing issues such as food insecurity, financial assistance, housing support, educational opportunities, and more. We strive to empower individuals and families, regardless of their background or circumstances, to overcome adversity and achieve self-sufficiency. Guided by our core values of compassion, dignity, and respect, our dedicated team of professionals and volunteers work tirelessly to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with kindness and understanding. By fostering a sense of community and providing essential resources, we aim to uplift lives, restore hope, and build a stronger, more equitable Immokalee. Together, we are a beacon of support, transforming lives and fostering positive change for a brighter future.
Program Overview
Eligibility
Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. has served the rural community of Immokalee for more than 40 years. Immokalee has long been a region of poor migrant workers. Half of the population lives at or below the poverty level. Over the years, more families have chosen to make Immokalee their permanent home and work in low-income jobs such as landscaping, the hospitality industry, and restaurant work along with work in the fields and at the packing houses. There is an extreme culture of poverty that exists in the town of Immokalee.
Today we serve Immokalee through the following services provided at Guadalupe Social Services:
- Food Pantry
- Showers
- Clothing Room
- Immigration Services
- Financial Assistance
- Soup Kitchen
Address: 211 S 9th St, Immokalee, FL 34142, USA
Main phone line for program: (239) 657-6242
Translation available at this location: Haitian Creole and Spanish
Food Pantry:
Families and individuals can visit the food pantry once a month and receive a bag of non-perishable food items along with meat products, fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and bread. Diapers are provided to families with children under the age of 2. The mobile food pantry visits homebound senior citizens once a month and delivers a bag filled with food items from our pantry.
HOURS OPEN: 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri
WHO IS ELIGIBLE (include location if applicable): Immokalee Residents
HOW TO ACCESS SERVICE/Intake: Walk In
ITEMS NEEDED at intake (ie: id card, etc): ID
Shower Program:
Shower facilities are available for the homeless community Tuesdays and Thursdays. Individuals are provided with a towel, fresh set of clothes, and toiletries.
HOURS OPEN: Tues and Thurs 9am - 11am
WHO IS ELIGIBLE (include location if applicable): Immokalee Homeless Community
HOW TO ACCESS SERVICE/Intake: Walk In
ITEMS NEEDED at intake (ie: id card, etc): ID
Clothing Room:
Families and individuals can “shop” for gently used clothing and small household items. There is no fee to access the program.
HOURS OPEN: Mon. Wed. and Fri. 9am - 11am
WHO IS ELIGIBLE (include location if applicable): Immokalee Residents
HOW TO ACCESS SERVICE/Intake: Walk In
ITEMS NEEDED at intake (ie: id card, etc): ID
Other Services:
SUCCESS STORIES
Jesus, an individual who spends 6-7 days a week working in the fields, walked through our doors with little to no hope. Jesus was in desperate need of help, as he was diagnosed with a life threatening parasite. During Jesus’s hospital visit, the doctor prescribed a medication that would immediately kill the parasite. If he was unable to purchase the medication, he would succumb to his illness. Unfortunately, because Jesus works as a farmworker, and farmworkers do not receive benefits and medical insurance, he could not afford to purchase the expensive medication. With no money, no insurance, Jesus was out of options. As days passed by, a friend told Jesus about Catholic Charities, and encouraged him to seek assistance. When entering the office, Jesus could not hold back his tears while explaining his situation. Without hesitation, Catholic Charities provided the funds to help Jesus obtain the medication. After 2 weeks, Jesus visited us and looked so much healthier. He told us he would be returning to work soon, and that he would not be here today if it weren’t for our help. Standing by our mission, we at Catholic Charities indeed provide help, create hope, and serve all.
"After going to other immigration offices, spending hundreds of dollars and feeling helpless and confused, Catholic Charities walked me through the procedure of applying for citizenship. I was given copies of all the paperwork and staff answered all my questions. I felt relieved to know someone was there to help me. - Anonymous
1355 Hot meals served each month on average
689 Food bags distributed to over 600 households each month on average
20 + Clients povided with financial assistance each month on average