Every day across the country, children are removed from their homes and enter the foster care system under traumatic and uncertain circumstances. In Iowa alone, there are an estimated 4,000 children currently in the foster care system. All too often, on the day of removal these children are taken to cold, impersonal offices while hardworking caseworkers scramble to find them a safe placement. In these critical first hours, what they need most is comfort, safety, and care. We are creating Matthew House to meet that need in the greater Dubuque area and surrounding Iowa counties. We’re envisioning a warm, home-like environment where children can come immediately after being removed from their homes – a place where they are met with love, compassion, and calm. At Matthew House, trained volunteers will provide care, snacks, play, and emotional support to children, while dedicated private spaces will allow caseworkers to make calls and handle logistics in peace. Matthew House also aims to support foster families by equipping them with initial necessities for children coming into their care. This is not a shelter, but a bridge – a nurturing space that eases the trauma of transition. We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Our website and full operations are still being developed – we invite you to ‘like’ this page and join us on this journey! You can also donate to support our mission by visiting https://dbqfoundation.org/giving-center/matthew-house
