"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Partners With Matthew 25 House

"Matthew 25 House board member Ben Shockey and board treasurer Beverly Shockey serve food to those in need of assistance. The Cherokee Nation recently granted the group $25,000 to assist in their efforts."

WESTVILLE, OK - Partnering with a local non-profit organization, the Cherokee Nation recently contributed $25,000 to the Matthew 25 House in Westville.

“It’s a privilege to partner with organizations that work to help families in need,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “This contribution is a way that we can help Matthew 25 House and the Westville community.”

The contribution was distributed through Cherokee Nation’s Community Services Block Grant to aid the organization in providing emergency assistance that would meet immediate, short-term needs of low-income individuals and families.

According to Nancy Scott, strategic alignment coordinator for the Cherokee Nation, the financial contribution will allow Matthew 25 House to provide help to participants in areas such as fuel or utility assistance, rental/mortgage assistance, food distribution, temporary shelter, medial care and transportation.

“The block grant will allow the organization to offer ‘one-time’ assistance to the most vulnerable population,” said Scott. “For the individuals and families that Matthew 25 House assists this is often a last resort.”

“On behalf of the Matthew 25 House and the entire community of Westville I would like to say thank you for the Community Block Grant that was awarded to our organization this year by the Cherokee Nation,” said Chris Harrison, president of the Matthew 25 House organization.

According to Harrison the block grant enables the organization to administer much needed assistance to dozens of families, single parent homes and individuals within the Westville community. Harrison says from life or death medical assistance, to personal household needs, Matthew 25 House provides help, hope and an expression of love for those that receive assistance.

“Our community has definitely been touched by the partnership with the tribe. For the sake of our community we certainly look forward to continuing a strong relationship with the Cherokee Nation,” said Harrison.