BRADENTON, Fla. — Downtown Ministries needs a new place to serve the needy after Sunday.
The charity helps those who are homeless and the working poor in Bradenton. For the past five years, it has been operating out of Central Christian Church on 15th Street West in Bradenton.
"I know many of them are visibly upset. They don't know what they're going to do every day now," said Christine Loomes, co-founder of Downtown Ministries.
Loomes said Central Christian Church sold its church to another church and it forced them out.
"We haven't been able to find a place that we can continue to serve," said Loomes.
Jessica Innes said she has been homeless twice in the past, but recently found a place to live.
She relied on Downtown Ministries for meals. The non-profit serves breakfast to 200 people a day.
"Every day, every single day without fail. That's now being taken from us. It's not just me, it's a lot of other people out there," said Jessica Innes.
Downtown Ministries also provided clothing to those in need. They also recently restored and repaired 250 bikes and gave them to people like Bruce Bingle. Bingle has been without a home for the past year.
"These people are like my family around here," said Bruce Bingle.
Loomes hopes someone opens a door soon. She said they're looking for another church or location in Bradenton where they can serve those in need.
"We're just really hoping that somebody's heart is in the same place as ours," said Looms.
Anyone interested in helping Downtown Ministries may visit its website at: www.downtown-ministries.com or contact Christine Loomes at info@downtown-ministries.com.
