By Renee Hobbs

Thanks to the generosity of a Brandon resident, who wants to remain anonymous, Project Hope (Helping Other People Excel) can now move forward with feeding the estimated 2,000 homeless living in the Brandon area. 

Project Hope, which started about a year ago, has placed a priority on finding a location from the beginning. 

Brandon Accountant Vince Ferraro, who heads up this project, says, "A concerned citizen read about our need and graciously donated a building for us to use for one and a half years, while we search for a permanent location."  

The 1,000 sq. ft. structure located on Mason St. off Parsons Ave. in Brandon will be called "I Am Hope Café" and Ferraro is hoping to open its doors by the end of this month, with feedings six days a week. 

Project Hope recently incorporated as the Greater Brandon Ecumenical Ministries, is now set up as a non-profit agency with Ferraro acting as president. 

Ferraro, who is touched by all the calls and support the program has received, says, "Even if we don't open as quickly as we'd like, what we have accomplished is making people aware of the problem. I thank God for pointing me in this direction and using me; I hope I am satisfying his needs."  

The food will be supplied by Metropolitan Ministries, but Ferraro says Project Hope needs monetary donations to pay for that, along with electric and water bills, and there is also a need for donations of paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils and picnic tables, so clients will have a place to enjoy their meals. 

Ferraro is always looking for volunteers because, ideally, Project Hope would like to have 10 people on hand for each feeding. 

Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO), of which Ferraro is on the board, is also working to get doctors involved in the project.

"We are looking for doctors in case any clients need medical attention", says Ferraro, whose long term goal is not just feeding the needy, but getting them back on their feet by providing temporary housing, financial, mental, health, spiritual and personal counseling.