Helpers fix up shelter

 Volunteers are turning a motel into a Samaritan Inn for the homeless.

LEESBURG - Jun 2 2010 There was some dripping Tuesday morning, but it wasn't from paint dribbling off brushes and rollers. Volunteers were dripping with sweat in the sizzling heat while putting finishing touches on the Samaritan Inn, and being careful not to make a mess in the former motel that will become a homeless shelter for families by the end of the month.

Volunteers, including students from Trinity High School and Shores Christian Academy, have been restoring the old Big Bass Motel since last summer when First Baptist Church of Leesburg bought the one-time tourist hot spot built in 1954.

"I think it's a great thing," said Richard Tisovec of The Villages. "It takes the homeless out of the woods and makes their life a little bit better."

"We have several applicants," said Chester Wood, director of the inn. "They have to be willing to work out a case plan to get a job and find a way to be productive."

Nine rooms will be opened initially.

There have been some delays, Wood said, and one of the biggest problems is that donations and grants have been pinched back because of the economy. Yet, at the same time, cries for help are greater than ever.

The Samaritan Inn is not just a First Baptist operation.

"It has become a community of faith project," Wood said.

St. Timothy Catholic Church in The Villages has been a major player in the number of volunteers working on the inn, as well as a contributor to the monthly budget. In April, volunteers had contributed more than 3,000 hours.

Conni Taylor of Lake Square Presbyterian in Leesburg said she started volunteering because workers needed help and "that is what Christ expects of us, to help those who can't help themselves."

A community-wide yard sale is planned for 7:30 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church on U.S. 27 in Leesburg, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Volunteers will be honored during an open house set for 10 am. Saturday, June 19, to which the public is invited.

To make a financial donation, e-mail Art Ayris at aaayris@fbcleesburg. org, call 352-787-1005 or go to http://www./Samaritan-inn.org.

Link to original article

http://www.ocala.com/article/20100602/ARTICLES/6021007