Telegraph Staff Writer
STARKE— The former Dempsey Motel at the corner of Lake and Pratt Streets in Starke is now a homeless shelter for pregnant women.
Brian and Lori Davis transferred ownership of the motel on July 31 to Chesed House Inc., a Florida nonprofit whose board of directors includes Brian Davis, Linda Von Eberstein, Lisa Prevatt, Mamie Tucker and Linda Warren.
The Davis couple, who also own Bowen and Bug Blocker Pest Control, acquired the two buildings totaling 3,600 square feet in 2021 for $225,000. Davis said that renovations led by Frank Bondurant were completed in February 2022, and the shelter admitted its first guest 12 months later.
Brian Davis said the shelter is the first of its kind in either Bradford or Alachua counties.
He added that so far, the home has sheltered seven women and five children from Duval, Bradford and Alachua counties, including three infants born to women while housed at the facility.
The ministry’s founder added that Chesed, pronounced Hesed, is Hebrew for loving-kindness in action.
Davis said Chesed House Inc. recently expanded its board of directors and joined Citygate Network, an association of faith-based crisis shelters and life transformation centers.
The ministry also established its website: ChesedHouseStarke.org, and plans an open house on Nov. 4.
