Corry is a city of 6,000 people.  Surprisingly, the community has never had a homeless shelter until recently.

A facility for the homeless has been established on West Smith Street at the site of the former Abundant Grace Church. The church housed an outreach program called the New Life Restoration Center.  The center gave food and supplies to those in need.  Last October, Pastor Jerry Fisher decided to close the church and focus entirely on the needy.

"It was difficult for me personally because I love to preach the Gospel,” he said.  “But we decided to stop Abundant Grace Church of Corry and to go all out, 100%, with the New Life Restoration Center."

Also in October, Father Skip Davis decided to retire as pastor of St. Thomas Catholic Church.  He retired for medical reasons.  That very month, a homeless man approached Father Skip asking for help in finding a place to stay. Father Skip turned to Pastor Jerry.  That homeless man then became the very first resident of the New Life Restoration Center. 

"From that guy we just started to grow,” says Father Skip.  “So we all think that was just God saying I'm going to use this guy to get you guys started on that project."

'That project' is making the center a larger facility to house the homeless.  Father Skip and Pastor Jerry, along with another man, Benjamin Barney, formed a team.  Three homeless men currently live at the facility.  The plan is to house up to 20 people…men, women and families. Funds are needed to acquire the second half of the building.  Volunteers are needed.  Food donations are needed.  However, Pastor Jerry has faith that someone is guiding the facility's growth.

"God. 100% God. God has placed a lot of individuals and different people who want to support and help the cause.  It's made it a lot more manageable to be able to move forward."

Meanwhile, Father Skip says he is busier than he ever was as an active priest.  He spends at least 12 hours a day at the facility. However, there's plenty more work to do.

"But my vision is that it will all be done and I can really retire. That's my vision,” he said with a laugh. 

An open house will be held Saturday at the facility located at 104 West Smith Street.  Members of the public will be able to tour the center and find out how they can help with their money and their time. The open house will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.