The second phase of a construction project at Bering Omega Community Services, which offers care for people with HIV/AIDS including gay men and lesbians, is in full swing with a kitchen renovation project that would carry a price tag of at least $40,000.

Renovations started Jan. 16 at the nonprofit organization’s Omega House, an eight-bed hospice for HIV/AIDS patients. Charles Lambert, who is a member of the organization’s board and head of the renovations project, said the kitchen is being totally gutted and, when finished, will include new cabinets, granite countertops, floors and appliances. He said the project is expected to last about six weeks.

"It’s going to be beautiful," Lambert said. "This will be not only a more functional kitchen, but one that will be something we can all be proud of.

"It only reflects the quality of care our residents get at Omega House."

Lambert, who a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, said local companies donated all of the materials and appliances for the project. He said the project, which would normally cost between $40,000 and $50,000, would cost Bering Omega nothing.

Lambert said volunteers are mostly doing the renovation project. Lambert said the organization was able to secure underwriters to cover the cost of non-volunteer workers.

When a kitchen feeds more than eight people daily, having it renovated can create problems for preparing meals, so officials with Bering Omega are seeking lunch donations. Breakfast is being donated by a local Starbucks coffee shop and dinner by Ziggy’s Healthy Grill.

Fiona Dawson, director of resource development, said the hospice provides a home for people with AIDS who have been diagnosed by a doctor with less than six months to live. Dawson said the average stay for patients is around 30 days.

"Some die within 24 hours of arriving and some stay longer," She said.

But while residences live at the hospice, the staff tries to make their stay feel as comfortable as possible. There is an on-duty nurse, and patients are totally taken care of with free room and board, medical care and counseling. There is also psychosocial and bereavement services for the resident’s family.

Fiona Dawson, director of resource development, said age had started to take its toll on the 5,000-square-feet home built in the 1920s.

"It just needed an update," Dawson said. "The kitchen is really the heart of Omega House."

This is the second phase of renovation work at Omega House. Last year, the remaining portions of the craftsman-style house were renovated, including new floorings, furnishings, lighting fixtures, windows, wall treatments and bathrooms.

"This renovation is truly a labor of love," said Dan Snare, president. "It’s been said, that in the end, the most important thing to all of us as human beings is to know that we have been loved. And this is truly a partnership of love, caring and compassion of all of the people involved."

Originally founded in 1986 by Houstonian Eleanor Munger, a former schoolteacher, Omega House has provided a home to more than 700 people with HIV/AIDS. It’s one of the four divisions of Bering Omega Community Services.

There is also dental services, an adult day care and financial assistance. Bering Omega’s operating budget for 2005 was $3.8 million. Funding comes from government grants, donations and fund-raising events.

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