Ellison joined St. Matthew’s House in 2004 as president and CEO when it operated one homeless shelter with a $1.5 million annual budget. Ellison previously was the jail chaplain for the Collier County Sheriff s Office.
Under his leadership, St. Matthew s House has grown to a $25-million annual operation with its year-long homeless and addiction recovery program and numerous businesses to support its services. It employs 250 people.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, St. Matthew’s House has distributed food to more than 3,000 families a week.
“It is difficult to visualize St. Matt’s without (Ellison), given all he has accomplished over his 17 years of service,” Trachtenberg said. “We are sure that (Ellison’s) talents will continue to be used for a greater purpose.”