Job gives homeless temporary shelter

Two homeless men have a job and a roof over their heads - at least until the paint dries.

By RON MATUS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 20, 2002

A month ago, Jose "Jerry" Valera was sleeping under bridges. In a few days, he'll probably be there again.

But for now, he's got an air-conditioned room, a color TV and running water.

He's earned it.

For the last month, he and other homeless men have been painting the Economy Express Inn on Kennedy Boulevard near downtown.

Hotel owner Sham Chhabria agreed to let them do it when they underbid other contractors. Their price: $1,500 plus free rooms until they got the job done.

"It's given us a chance to stabilize ourselves," said Valera, 49, who made the offer and organized the work crew. "After living under bridges, it's been a true blessing for us."

It's been worth it, Chhabria said.

"Quality is good," he said. "I'm happy with it."

So happy, in fact, that the men may get a chance to paint the motels he owns in St. Petersburg.

Chhabria acknowledges the work has taken longer than expected.

Initially, seven guys showed up. Now, only Valera and Mike Lowrey, 49, remain.

Fortunately for them, Chhabria wasn't in a hurry.

Almost every day, Valera and Lowrey can be seen on the steps or balconies, covering what used to be two-tone green with a Miami-ish blend of peach and orange sherbet.

At lunch time, they break for free meals at Faith Cafe, the soup kitchen near Kennedy and Dale Mabry Highway.

In the evening, they clean up, cool off and enjoy the TV. Jeopardy and The Weakest Link are among their favorites.

The pair know the work will only last a few more days. They're trying not to think about it.

After this?

"Back on the street," said Lowrey, a machinist by trade. "What else is there to do?"

-- Ron Matus can be reached at 226-3405 or matus@sptimes.com.

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