Seven o'clock in the morning is Jessica Innes' favorite time of the day.
- Group serving Bradenton's homeless in need of new home
- Downtown Ministries serves community of homeless
- Place they serve out of was sold; group can no longer stay
She was one of the dozens of people in line for the breakfast buffet that's put on daily by Downtown Ministries in Bradenton. While it's easy to enjoy the spread of pancakes, eggs, grits, and fruit, for Jessica it's also a chance to share kind words and a smile.
"This is our sanctuary, this is our safe place," she explained while enjoying a plate. "We walk in this church and its like... we're good, we're at breakfast, I know I'm gonna be okay," she said.
Jessica has been a regular here for over a year. She's been homeless on and off, living in Bradenton's Ballard Park neighborhood.
"If this gets taken from us, this is going to completely throw us for a loop," she explained.
But it's a very real possibility. Following breakfast on May 20, the griddles may go quietly.
Downtown Ministries serves out of Central Christian Church on 15th Street W in Bradenton. The church decided to sell it's facility to a different church out of Sarasota, and after that sale was finalized, Downtown Ministries learned they weren't allowed to stay.
Co-founder Christine Loomes was hoping that one of the more than 30 churches in walking distance would step up to help, but so far she hasn't had any luck.
"So far we haven't had any success. We know that we serve a challenging population, we understand that," she said.
Christine and her team of volunteers are serving close to 200 people daily, including many children, and can't stop now.
It's also not just food. The ministry provides clean clothes and hygiene products every morning as well.
The ministry is hoping to find a temporary place to go and run their daily breakfasts, until a more permanent solution can be nailed down.
"I cannot imagine waking up next Monday morning and not coming here, not seeing Miss Christine," Innes said.
Christine can't imagine it either. She's hoping to find the right opportunity before it's too late.
If you would like to share an idea with Downtown Ministries, you can give them at call at (941) 465-1775.