Holy Ground

I'm giving 5 stars because I know her. Martie is totaly full of crap. There are 2 men's shelters in Pasco also one doubles as a men and women shelter.. one women's and children's shelter and a family shelter. It's been like that for a few years.

Lisa the lady who operates this place receives no government subsidies. She deals with some of the lowest of the low. People who don't work, don't bathe and just don't care. This is the only shelter in Pasco County for men. It's no country club but you get a bed, food and company. She just wants these people to become self sufficient.

I have been a client of the Holy Ground homeless shelter on two occasions. Upon reading the previous reviews, I have felt led to comment as well. I am a single parent and due to the economy, have fallen short of being able to support my family. I am so grateful for the obedience of Miss Lisa to the Lord and sacrificing her life assisting me and many other people to get back on our feet. The shelter IS NOT a government funded entity, therefore allowing the freedom and direction of Christianity to be the influence used to direct and lead you back into the community. Also, Miss Lisa directs and encourages you to utilize many of the community assistance programs available, in order for us to re enter the community. As stated in the other reviews it is not a five star resort, however it's not the woods either. Yes you are expected to pull your share of responsibility ie: cleaning & maintaining the grounds, working in the thrift store, loading and unloading donations, kitchen,laundry and household chores. Men are expected to go out and work or be available to do so from 9-5. You are expected to be financially independent and responsible for yourself, therefore conditioning yourself for reentry into the community. Also if you receive food assistance you are expected to feed yourself/family with the funds. Again it is a self financed program with no government funding. Most of the people who Wind up in the facility are addicts requiring redirection on how to function in a substance free environment, hence the 30 day dry out period. Church, counseling and treatment are available to assist you in becoming a productive citizen. Holy Ground is a 0% drug tolerance facility and you will be escorted off the property for any violation of this rule. The program is there to assist YOU in getting your life together not to entitle you to a free ride. In closing I not only support this program, but pray for a way to support it. The word says the Lord will turn your test into a testimony and this is my testimony. God continue to Bless the Holy Ground.

Somebody needs to call DCF on this place. The entire place is fixin to fal over any day now, and good riddance. but there must be a couple dozen kids living there all on assistance. I am a vietnam vet and was waiting for my eye surjery and had no place to go. They make me stay there for 30 days and cant leave, less you can get a moving job where they take half every dime you make then take your food stams too. she be saying we can get clothes bu they all go out to the bus. they lie to people who donate and say they for us. I has to up and leave before 30 days. couldnt aford to stay anyways. Vets shod be treated better than this for all we have been through..

Whilst Holy Ground is technically a homeless shelter, it doesn't technically offer just shelter. To stay there, you must agree to a minimum of a 30 day program, after which time you can either leave, or stay. If you stay, it's $145 a month, and you must seek employment. The only time it just offers shelter is if it gets below 40f.



As the name would suggest, it is a Christian based center, people of other faiths are technically accepted, but if you're anything but devout Christian, you'll feel most unwelcome.



During your first 30 days, most of the day is taken up with work. Wake up is at 7am, and the first prayer session begins at 8. From then on, you start moving furniture, which the center sells. After that, it's a case of sitting under a small shelter from 9 until 5, not being allowed to get up, except to visit the restroom. Every Friday you must attend either an AA or NA meeting, even if you don't drink or use drugs.



Prayer is three times a day, once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once at night. Lights out at 11pm. You are required to read the bible daily, and must learn something from it. If you do not, you will be evicted.



During the first 30 days, contact with the outside world, including internet and phone access, is prohibited.



Overall, I, like a lot of people who have stayed there, would rather risk being on the streets than be subject to their policies and beliefs.