OCALA, FL (352ocala.com) – For people feeling lost in sadness, the idea of a new day can bring hope.
There is a local organization whose Facebook page introduction is meant for those feeling just that way. “Empowering the underserved to overcome generational trauma, break cycles of dependency, and rewrite their narratives with dignity,” is how Wear Gloves, Inc. describes itself.
Next spring a facility will open that will provide people an opportunity to transition from the challenges of living on the streets, to reenter society and become a productive part of the community.
However, it’s the experience of seeing people transform their lives as they begin to recognize their value that serves as the driving force for Dignity House Shelter owners Ken and Wendy Kebrdl. Since 2013, their organization, Wear Gloves, has been helping those in need in Ocala.
The new 60-bed shelter brings hope to those who need of it the most.
“Right now, we’re at the renovation stage,” says Ken Kebrdle, Wear Gloves Inc., chief operating officer. “We actually have a full year to do the renovation before we start doing any housing, but we hope to be done by March. We’ll have no more than 12 the first year, and then we’ll start adding.”
The Kebrdles help the local homeless population get away from panhandling, crime, and substance abuse which puts them at a serious disadvantage. Many have all but given up on life.
“We start refueling their value and dignity again, and their wanting to move forward,” says Ken.
Wear Gloves received its first grant, which was given by Jacksonville Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and was approved unanimously by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. The grant was for $1,000,035 with $635,000 to purchase the building that had previously been 0ccupied by another nonprofit, Creative Services, and the rest for renovations.
“The County Commissioners and HUD are really awesome,” says Ken. ” They kind of picked us to do this because of our concept, so it’s a big honor. We have a lot of responsibility.”
Wendy Kebrdle, Wear Gloves, Inc., executive director says that in its first year the Dignity House Shelter will have 12 non-congregate rooms as part of the agreement with the county.
The Kebrdles are working toward breaking patterns to make sure that people start to feel good about life again and integrate into society. They add that about 60% of their clients are in recovery.
“It’s not just the substance abuse; it’s the dependency on receiving charity,” said Wendy. “[There’s a] whole cycle of dependency that’s created when you’re homeless. You receive things for free, your free meals, your free clothing, free shelter on a cold and rainy night…it goes on and on, and then you add all these services up. There’s no way that you could support yourself, if you think about it that way. Just taking small steps to learn how to be able to provide, even providing something for yourself. There’s so much dignity.”
Ken mentioned that a major reason for the program’s success is the community’s strong support, highlighted by 40 volunteers who dedicate their time.
“Our focus is to love,” said Ken. “If you eat together, serve together and work together, that’s what changes things.”
The Dignity House Shelter is located at 2001 SW 3rd Ave, in Ocala.
For more information about Wear Gloves Inc. and the shelter, you can access their website at WearGloves.org.