The recent chilly weather might have made the early-morning run from the house to the car miserable for some, but for others the freezing temperatures only served as an agonizing reminder that they had no home.

This week, Jeff and Myra Congioloso, founders and directors of HOPE Ministries, have stepped up to do something about it.

A makeshift homeless shelter now operates in Dayton at The Father's House, a vacant church building on California Avenue, owned by Harvest Outreach Ministries. Working in conjunction with HOM and other local ministries, the Congiolosos are trying to provide a place for those in need of a hot meal and a warm bed at night.

"Jeff and I were approached several times over the last month by concerned community leaders about the growing homeless population, especially during the cold weather," said Myra.  "So we decided to go ahead and start with what we had."

The Congiolosos have long desired to bring hope to struggling members in the community. For the past seven years, HOPE Ministries has run a soup kitchen one day a week to serve hot meals to those in need. Now with the birth of the homeless shelter, the soup kitchen will serve meals seven days a week.

"The idea for a homeless shelter has been in the works for 16 years," said Jeff. "God gave my wife and me a vision of these kinds of organizations, and we've run the soup kitchen for several years, but I'd almost given up that these dreams [for the shelter] might happen."

The Rhea County Sheriff's Department donated 15 cots and wool blankets to help jumpstart the ministry. The beds were set up in the sanctuary of the church, since it's the only room the ministry can afford to heat. Rhea Medical Center also donated some toothbrushes, deodorant and soap, which Jeff called "a blessing and a half."

Since Sunday, Jan. 10, the shelter has housed three male individuals. There are currently no qualifications for staying at the shelter, but if both men and women come looking for a place to stay, the main room will be partitioned and both male and female volunteers will stay the night.

The shelter must be staffed by volunteers 24/7, according to Myra, making the need for help on staff crucial.

"The community response has been really good," she said. "A lot of people are really excited about the project, but what we need now are funds to keep the building and utilities going."

Jeff has stayed many nights throughout the past week, assisted by the only other overnight volunteer, Jason Patton. The need for both daytime and nighttime volunteers is great, Jeff stressed.

"I have a family," he said, "I don't like being away from them."

Though the financial struggle is pressing, along with the ever-growing need for volunteers and supplies, the homeless shelter has no plans to disband once the weather warms up. With the teaming together of several ministries, the long-term plan is to turn The Father's House into a full-blown ministry center.

The Congiolosos have dreams of relocating their ministry's soup kitchen next to The Father's House and building a men's' shelter above it. Kathy Brady of AMJ (Always Me & Jesus) Ministries hopes to renovate and use part of the church building as a home for abused women and unwed mothers in need. The sleeping area for homeless individuals would need renovations as well.

"The plan would be to raise enough money to pay the bills and keep the building going," said Jeff. "Then we'd hope to teach people how to make resumes and take GED classes."

"We have several other ministries in mind for the future, but one step at a time," said Myra. "Our desire is to see our community churches, businesses and individuals support us in this project."

The homeless shelter is grateful for any monetary donations, food, bedding items, hygiene supplies and building supplies. Any contributions need to be marked indicating whether they are for the HOM, HOPE, or AMJ Ministries. Those wishing to volunteer or needing a place to stay can contact Jeff at 208-6112.

"It's ministries coming together," Jeff said. "I believe that God is going to do something. Only He can do this."

Elisabeth Hollingsworth can be reached at elisabeth.hollingsworth@rheaheraldnews.com.