LEESBURG, Fla. — The former Big Bass Motel re-opened in Leesburg Saturday as the Samaritan Inn, a homeless shelter for families. The Samaritan Inn is owned by the First Baptist Church of Leesburg, but the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) helped fund it.
One of the shelter's requirements is that anyone who stays there become spiritual, if they're not already. And while staying at the Inn, residents will be required to attend regular church services.
"Well, this is a Christian care center. So we want to help with their spiritual needs as well as their financial needs and other needs," said Chester Wood, the Samaritan Inn's director.
Wood said religion isn't necessarily a requirement for families, but it will become an everyday part of their lives.
"We're not going to force anyone to become a particular religion. We just want to introduce them to Jesus Christ," said Wood.
By Tuesday, at least three families will have moved into the Samaritan Inn, and over the summer, another four families will move in.
WFTV
