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Inspiration
© Matthew 2535 Inc.
Matthew2535 began approximately 4 years ago largely through the efforts of Robin and Tom Demboski, along with Wanda Marshall - a former street person. Robin, Tom, and Wanda understood that the needs of the homeless were spiritual, as well as physical and emotional.
The ministry evolved from food distribution to meet the needs of the homeless who gathered at Fry Park in the Channelside district of Tampa, to include clothing distribution and other services.
Kathy and Larry Myers, friends of Robin and Tom, became a part of the ministry and helped provide services which had not been a part of the ministry. Kathy began to cut hair and trim beards; Larry designed and built a portable shower unit.
Before long, other volunteers who had been helping to feed the homeless indepedent of Matthew 2535 partnered with the ministry. And eventually the ministry partnered with Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa to become a meal-site provider of food generously provided by Metropolitan.
This past year Concerned Action in Christ, a Christian counseling center in the Brandon, Florida area teamed with Matthew 2535 in an effort to fulfill the vision God had given both ministries for Victory Center. Don Heald, who heads Concerned Action in Christ, brings a wealth of experience - over twenty years of counseling - and a love for the homeless to this effort.
Matthew2535 has remained strong and fruitful, due in large part to the help of many dedicated volunteers who have come forward to give of their time and energies - and, above all - God Himself, who loves and cares for the homeless more than anyone else.
Current plans for the ministry call for a large vocational/education and transitional housing residence - Victory Center - to be located in the Tampa area. The vision for such a facility was given over 3 years ago, and it has become apparent that the time to make this vision a reality is now.
