Ready to serve

Lela Lilyquist is a force of nature. She knows how to get things done.

For 14 years, she's owned Nature's Health Foods in Brandon.

She will be the first to tell you that she loves people. Now she's found her true calling. And it's her biggest challenge yet.

Lilyquist is the founder of Portamento of Hope, a comprehensive homeless resource center in Brandon. The nonprofit effort specifically focuses on homeless men.

Eighteen months ago, this was not something she would have imagined doing. But she thinks the divine hand of God brought her to this place.

It began when she and her husband, Floyd, bought property at Parsons Avenue and Mason Street with plans to open another health food store.

About the same time, she read about Hillsborough County's growing homeless population - an estimated 9,500 - and how Brandon was in dire need of a soup kitchen.

Looking at those numbers, she realized something needed to be done.

"I've seen them on the street corners with signs. I've seen them on their bicycles. I've accepted them as part of our society," Lilyquist said. "But for some reason, this time my heart was touched."

Lilyquist started thinking about the property and its buildings. She got estimates on what it would take to put a kitchen in one of the cottages.

A contractor from Nativity Catholic Church touched by her vision offered to help. Others pitched in. A year ago, Portamento of Hope opened, with volunteers cooking and serving donated food Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at lunchtime. They're now averaging about 120 diners a week.

"Most people spend their lives trying to better their personal situation," volunteer Trissie Burgett says. "Not Lela. She gives all her time and energy to make life better for others."

For those who desperately want out of the homeless cycle, Portamento of Hope aims to be a vehicle to help them.

You will see the vision at work at 107 Mason St. A bountiful garden maintained by Billy Bryant, formerly homeless and now living on the property, provides some of the vegetables served in the cafe. Others are harvested and sold at a roadside stand in front of the property.

A thrift store will open soon. Local artists will sell original arts and crafts, with a portion of the proceeds dedicated to Portamento of Hope. Plans also are under way to open a tutoring center where kids and adults can work on donated computers.

"Helping out here has taught me not to take everything I have for granted," said volunteer Lisa Smith of Valrico, a pediatric emergency nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital. Like Lilyquist, she became bothered by the number of desperate people she saw living on the streets.

"It's given me a better understanding of the challenges people face, which is making me a better nurse."

SATURDAY MORNING MARKET

WHAT: Donated items, clothing, crafts, fresh produce and art

WHEN: 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturdays beginning Aug. 8

WHERE: Portamento of Hope, 107 Mason St., Brandon