By Karen McBride
Revive and Restore, a ministry serving the homeless, began just a little over 3 years ago. Lori Martin had felt a calling in her heart to help the homeless and home insecure through community outreaches, but it was the day she met a homeless man in a thrift store, God spoke to her.
“I was called to a homeless ministry by God in a thrift store. I just had this incredible desire to serve people in need,” said Lori.
The ministry not only supports the homeless with food and clothing, but also assists individuals, including veterans, in securing employment opportunities.
Lori has seen God’s hand in the ministry. Parishioners from St. Timothys Catholic church in Lutz had seen her display at Revelations Café requesting donations towards the purchase of a trailer for the ministry. Through their partnering, Revive and Restore was able to purchase the full-sized trailer to store and transport donations throughout the area.
The ministry is actively supporting the community with regular weekly events, including:
• Monday nights in Ybor City: Distributions are made including food, drinks, basic hygiene items, clothing and even backpacks and bicycles.
• Wednesday nights: The ministry partners with St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1203 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, to feed over 200 people.
• The last Tuesday of every month: Watermark Church on Central Avenue in Tampa opens their grounds and supports her ministry. Revive and Restore partners with another mobile ministry that provides haircuts.
How can you help? Donations, donations, donations! Clean out your closets and contribute gently used clothing. The ministry has a high demand for men’s clothing. Shoes, backpacks, and with rainy season quickly approaching, there is a high demand for umbrellas and rain jackets.
At this time, the ministry is not receiving any grants, so monetary donations are always appreciated. The ministry is 100% volunteer-based, and every penny goes into the ministry.
If you are upgrading your furniture and appliances, your older gently used items can be gifted towards community members who are transitioning from homelessness.
“We are called in this life to be the hand and feet of Jesus and that is who we are,” said Lori.
If you are interested in volunteering, or for more information, visit https://www.reviveandrestore.net/
Photo caption (Lori (center) pictured here with volunteers Douglas and Dely in front of the mobile trailer)