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Highlands Today

Women's Shelter Ready To Open

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By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: October 8, 2007

WAUCHULA — Years ago, this two-story building at North Florida and Alabama Avenue was Rogers meat market. It sat empty for two decades, collecting old mattresses, clothing and other junk that should have been thrown away.

But when Sherry White saw it, she realized it could be the new home Lydia's House, a medium-term home for women who have no other place to go.

That was more than a year ago, and now the building is nearly ready for its first occupants.

"It was hard work," White said. The building was in terrible condition.

"There was no walls. All the floors, all the Sheetrock, all the doors had to be redone," White said. More than 200 volunteers have been working for 14 months, including Hardee County inmates, who cleared and cleaned the building and constructed a privacy fence between Lydia's house and the residential neighborhood surrounding the back yard.

More than $200,00 has been spent on new walls, painted in earthy brown tones, new tile on the ground floor, and new carpet in the residential rooms and hallways. There are three bedrooms, in which six bunkbeds will be placed. At capacity, there will be space for 12 women and a resident advisor.

Many of the women will be ex-prisoners, victims of domestic violence, or substance abusers.

"This is their second chance, and it may be their last chance," White said. "You can talk all day long, but these women need help with their issues. Often, they have no family."

White is a gospel singer, songwriter, actress, preacher and author of an autobiography, "A Life Worth Living."

White had a list of people to thank, including Mark Palmer Electric, which donated and installed five central heat and air units; Cabinetry by Danny Simmons, and Musselman Appliance, all of Sebring.

"Everyone has been so wonderful," White said. "I went over to the cabinet shop and asked if he would donate some used cabinets. He said, 'No. But I'll give you some brand news ones,' and he came over and installed them. Musselman donated the stove, refrigerator and microwave." The white appliances are also new.

Virtually everything in Lydia's Place was donated, White said. Some of the furniture has been purchased, but two of the three bedrooms have been sponsored, one by a Wauchula church, another by a local family. White is still looking for a sponsor for the third bedroom, and living room furniture is needed.

After the residents move here –– and calls are already coming from as far away as Minnesota –– they'll plant a garden to grow their own food. They'll also go into the community and serve others, White said.

The downstairs will include White's office and a multi-purpose room, where classes, morning worship, Bible study and cooking will be taught. The goal is to make the women self-sufficient.

The house is open to the public for the next week, White said. The building will be dedicated at 7 p.m. Saturday, and an appreciation banquet is slated in November to thank the sponsors and volunteers.

The residents won't be charged rent. Lydia's House is not accepting government money, White said, because they don't want interference in teaching the Bible.

More info: 773-2031.

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