For many, homelessness may only be one missed paycheck away. It's a reality that can hit hard, and maybe without warning.

That's when the Turning Points Organization in Manatee County comes in to assist with basic needs like food and shelter.

"The main focus of this whole building is trying to get all the services possible in one place so that they don't have to be sent from place to place and run around," executive director Adell Erozer said.

Staffed mostly by volunteers, Turning Points offers assistance to men, women and children who are or who are at risk of being homeless. Turning Points has been recognized as a model for the rest of the state.

Programs include a day resource center with computer access and assistance with legal documents, a rental and utility assistance program. Additionally a professional laundry facility is available, as are showers and a donated clothing store. All services are free of charge.

There are also veterans services and a pre-medical and dental clinic, and in a working partnership with Our Daily Bread, a meal is served daily.

The large donation center, which is shared with Goodwill, includes an area where old bicycles are made new again, thanks to the talents of volunteers. Every client is furnished with a bike.

Called a place where compassion takes action, for 10 years Adell has overseen this compassionate action for more than 9,000 men, women and children a year.

Growing up as one of five children on a farm in South Dakota, Adell's siblings became missionaries, nurses or teachers.

"We all had professions that were giving, and I think that something came from my parents was the importance of giving back," she said. "And I hope I'm fulfilling that for them, too."