More than 200 people gathered in the rain Sunday afternoon to celebrate the grand opening of the new House of Hope facility in Wildwood.
The House of Hope is a faith-based residential recovery center for men battling addiction in Sumter County. The new facility, located at 4168 County Road 126, Wildwood, will serve up to 15 men who will live in dormitory-style housing. They will be part of a structured program that offers Christian teaching, vocational training, life skills development and a 12-step recovery program.
During the ceremony, a tent full of supporters overflowed into the warehouse, one of two new buildings erected on the five-acre site. The structures included rooms with bunk beds, a kitchen, bathrooms and a laundry room, all to house those recovering from alcohol and substance abuse in the community.
Several board and staff members addressed the crowd, expressing their gratitude to God and for the support of all present…