By Jessica Coleman -- Daily Staff Writer

FRONT ROYAL — Men living at the House of Hope and clients of Blue Ridge Opportunities have been hired to do odd jobs around town.

The residents of the House of Hope, a men's homeless shelter at 722 Warren Ave., are mowing the lawns of foreclosed properties in town.

Meanwhile, clients of Blue Ridge Opportunities, a local nonprofit organization that provides assessments, vocational training and job placement for people with disabilities, are picking up litter and doing some light landscaping in the downtown area.

Town Manager Michael Graham said with all of the activity going on in town, the staff was a little overwhelmed with a plethora of projects, and both organizations were seeking employment.

"With everything going on, it's been hard for us to keep up with everything," Graham said.

With these projects completed by outside agencies, town staff have about 15 to 25 percent more time to spend on other projects, he said. And with the high quality of work each organization has been providing, it is a win-win situation, Graham added.

"Because of their low cost structure, we had enough money in the budget," he said. "We're actually saving money."

House of Hope Director Leslie Gardner said she and the residents of the shelter appreciate the opportunity the town has given them.

"I just think it's a fabulous collaboration between the town and the House of Hope," Gardner said. "We're anxious for this type of work."

On Mondays and Thursdays, clients of Blue Ridge Opportunity work downtown to make it a cleaner, more beautiful area.

"They're out in the community where they belong," said Richard Braatz, CEO of Blue Ridge Opportunities. "They take a tremendous amount of pride in having their work seen by the community."

On Mondays, they concentrate on the gazebo area at the corner of Chester and Main streets and the streets themselves. On Thursdays, they clean up around Peyton Street. And the residents said they were enjoying the work.

"It lets us get out of that workshop," said Kevin Pearson, 20, of Front Royal, commenting on the beautiful weather.

Beth Pinner, assistant director of administration at Blue Ridge Opportunities, said the clients are eager to do the work and do an excellent job, pulling weeds growing out of the sidewalks and sweeping every leaf in sight. They even strive to pick up every carelessly discarded cigarette butt.

"I just find it fun," said Amanda Kroll, 27, of Front Royal. "With us being out here, we get recognized by everyone."

"It's terrific," added Tony Brady, 34, of Front Royal.

Graham said he agrees that the work being done by both organizations is of the highest quality.

"With somewhat of a limited maintenance staff out there, these guys offer us a great opportunity," Graham said. "Everyone deserves the opportunity to offer up something of value. These people have value, and they're providing value for us."

The residents of the House of Hope and the clients of Blue Ridge Opportunities are available for hire for numerous odd jobs. For more information, call the House of Hope at 635-2466 or Blue Ridge Opportunities at 636-4960.

* Contact Jessica Coleman at jcoleman@nvdaily.com