SWFL.io - Local NewsNORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—For hundreds of people, a parking lot in North Fort Myers has become a place of hope.
Every month, volunteers with Disciples of Hope Ministry serve hot meals, hand out clothing and medical care, and most importantly, remind people they are not alone. WINK News was first introduced to this ministry at a WINK Listens event in Cape Coral and visited the outreach to see the impact firsthand.
For many people at the monthly outreach, it's more than just a meal. It's a second chance, a support system and a reminder that someone cares.
Michael Evangelista started Disciples of Hope with his wife in 2020 after he says God spoke to him while he was driving.
"The good Lord said you need to take care of the homeless," Evangelista said. "I was close to Walmart and went into Walmart, and bought a truck full of blankets. Called my wife, she started making some pans of Baked Ziti. I just started going out in the woods."
What started as a few tables has now grown into a large community outreach serving more than 100 people every month. Volunteers provide a range of services to those in need.
"We have a barber that comes, so they can get haircuts. I come as the nurse, so that if anybody's got anything they need health care concerns with, I can help with that," said Sandy Kulick, a volunteer nurse.
For many, the ministry has changed lives. Eddie Rucker, a volunteer, knows firsthand what it's like to need help.
"I was homeless once, it's a scary thing thinking that you know where my next meal, where I'm asleep, or how I'm gonna get something to eat," Rucker said. "Sometimes we up, sometimes we down, but give that helping hand somewhere."
Now Rucker spends his time helping others in need. Andy Hyacin first found the group while homeless himself.
Today, he volunteers alongside the same people who helped him. The experience transformed his life.
"It changed my life because I was in the wrong path. Now, doing the volunteer work, helping people and everything, I'm on the right path now," Hyacin said.
Volunteers say the goal is simple—to help people feel seen.
"No matter what your past is, God loves you, and He's here for you," Evangelista said.
Disciples of Hope holds its outreach the third Saturday of every month at Merchants Crossing in North Fort Myers. Volunteers say the need in the community continues to grow, and so does their hope to one day open a permanent facility to help even more people get back on their feet.