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Homeless camp gets reprieve through the holidays

BY CARL ORTH

SUNCOAST NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR

Published: December 31, 2008

HUDSON - Elisha Ministries officials were given a 30-day extension on zoning violations at the Kamp Elisha site at 7919 Rhodes Road, just off U.S. 19 about midway between Hudson and New York avenues.

The camp for more than 20 homeless people received some donations as well after publicity over violation notices issued Dec. 3, according to the Rev. Jeff Fries, who started the Elisha Ministries camp. Up to 60 people at times have sought shelter at the facility.

"It helped us catch up," Fries said about donations to defray operating expenses for Kamp Elisha. "We were falling behind on everything."

Zoning re-inspections, however, are scheduled in early January, according to Richard Ortiz, Pasco's code compliance manager. Then the matter might be scheduled for a court hearing, probably sometime in March.

Plus the transitional facility faces potential fines over building code violations.

"We appreciate the work they do, but we have our duties as well," Ortiz commented. "We have to look at our responsibilities, too."

The parcel is zoned for commercial use only, county officials explain, which means nobody is allowed to reside at the site. Several businesses are next door to the camp.
Elisha administrators should have applied for rezoning or variances on zoning before opening the facility in the first place, according to Ortiz.
Building permits should have been obtained before toilets, fences and other facilities were constructed, Ortiz said. Inspections also might look for any potential fire hazards from wiring, he said.

The ministry survives on donations alone without any government funds, Fries said previously. Fries said he owns the lot.

Donations have amounted to about $2,000 a month, but expenses have averaged about $3,000 a month. A supermarket chain has donated food.

People can contact Elisha Ministries at 727-967-2393 or elishamin@yahoo.com.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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