Neighbors in need avoided homelessness, enjoyed hot water, ate a few meals, rode the bus to a doctor’s appointment, used an I.D. card to apply for Social Security, interviewed for a job with a free haircut or wore clothes from our Thrift Shoppe as result of assistance from Daystar Life Center, Inc. since 1982. Started at St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church inSt. Petersburg,Florida, to meet the emergency needs of individuals and families with nowhere else to turn, the agency began as and continues to be a grassroots, community-supported organization that remains aware and flexible in meeting the changing needs of the community.
In 1992 Daystar received 501(c)3 status and applied for a grant from the local community. While the agency continues to be a ministry of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, it operates independently. The community at large began to see Daystar’s role and positive impact on the local community.
Daystar has added and enhanced services as needs have grown. Daystar is primarily a volunteer-driven organization. Daystar’s clients, volunteers and supporters are diverse and come from all religions, races and ages. Clients include the working poor, disabled, homeless-at-risk, elderly and homeless residents ofPinellas County.
