If you blink as you drive along State Road 674, you might miss the small white building backed by three portables.
But The Lord's Lighthouse Ministry is a hub for the community's homeless, disabled, poor and needy, hundreds of whom receive help here every week.
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit organization is what drives the Rev. William R. Cruz, 83, and his wife, Dora, 80.
"This is more than a job; this is our life," he said. "We are doing something we love for people we love."
The people who come to the mission for food, clothing, emergency assistance, crisis intervention, advocacy and spiritual counseling are the "most needy you can imagine," people living well below the poverty level, Cruz said.
Many who line up every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are Hispanic farmworkers, though those who come seeking help also include single moms, the handicapped, elderly and long-term unemployed. The ministry also takes food and clothing to migrant camps in the area. Collectively, the nonprofit serves more than 500 people a week.
"I'm very grateful for the help," said Rolando Guitron of Ruskin as he picked up a sandwich, burrito and sack of pinto beans, rice and a few other staples. "I am waiting for my disability application to be approved, and my food stamps just don't last the entire month.
"There are so many people who come here in need. It means so much they are here to help."
The ministry relies on the kindness of others. Most of the people who work there are volunteers, several of whom have worked with the Cruzes for more than 20 years.
For information on The Lord's Lighthouse Ministry, 815 College Ave. E., visit www.lordslighthouse.org or call (813) 641-7100.
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