VENICE – The Center of Hope celebrates its new homeless outreach center and church today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening.

Formerly known as Fishers of Men, the center moved two months ago from U.S. 41 and Venice Avenue into an an area about three times larger, an 11,000-square-foot former furniture store at 1216 East Venice Ave.

The ribbon-cutting will be at 9 a.m. with an open house from 5 to 8 p.m.

The ministry, started by pastors Jim and Lynette McCleland in 2001, has expanded from a traditional church to a one-stop center for the homeless and those with addiction problems.

People from throughout the area come to apply for food stamps and bus passes and to receive clothing, toiletries and counseling.

On Saturdays, volunteers serve hot soup to about 100 people and hand out bags of free groceries.

Center of Hope has regular weekly church services and a Bible school, but people are not required to attend to receive services.

The organization also operates SOS, a residential treatment house for addicted men in South Venice.