Donations flow in for Lighthouse Ministries to renovate Arnold building
A soup kitchen forced to close two years ago is slated to reopen by the start of the year.
In October 2007, Lighthouse Ministries opened the kitchen in a building at 1611 Fifth Ave. in Arnold as part of its outreach to homeless people and people without a church.
The ministry had to close its doors because it didn't have a city permit.
Work to bring the building into compliance with city codes was initiated, but a leaking roof and other problems — including health woes for the Rev. Steve Gabor, 62, and his wife, Rebecca — hampered progress.
The roof was repaired through the generosity of the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, and the foundation paid to install a handicap access ramp. Still, more work was needed.
New Kensington and Arnold Weed and Seed Coordinator Sharon Resek, who is a volunteer member of the Community Foundation's grant committee, made a case for additional help.
"They provide a great service to people," she said. The foundation agreed.
An $8,000 grant is being used this week to replace wiring, windows and floors and, in general, to make sure the building passes inspection.
"The grant was God sent," said Rebecca Gabor.
"This is a dream coming true," added Steve Gabor.
The couple plans to open the kitchen three days a week — Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday — and "feed anyone who is hungry."
The couple was holding Sunday school and Bible study classes in the building and church services in a tent in an adjoining lot.
"We'll leave it up to the city in the permit if we can have Sunday school and other things in the building," Steve Gabor said.
He continues to meet people and preach in the street, he said.
Lighthouse is collecting clothing, including winter coats, that will be given to about three dozen youngsters at a Christmas party.
"We want them to know that someone cares, and that's God," Rebecca Gabor said.
Foundation community program manager Susan Acito said the soup kitchen is exactly what the foundation contributors want to encourage.
"It's wonderful. This is in the final phase. It has taken them quite a while to get to this point, and it seems like a great project. We know there is a great need for it," Acito said.
The foundation, established in 1995, is "investing in the community and people's lives," she said.
In the last financial year, the foundation spent a little more than $1.2 million in the county, she said.
The renovations are being done by Hosanna Industries, which also donated five freezers to Lighthouse Ministries.
The Rochester, Beaver County, Hosanna also is a ministry, said its manager, the Rev. Donn Ed.
"We're a Christian mission started in 1990. Its purpose is to help people needing construction skills. Most of our work is done for households but, occasionally, we help nonprofits and churches," he said.
Ed said the 10-member construction crew should complete its work this week.
"Praise God," Steve Gabor said. "God gives us the authority to move that mountain."
