Just four months after it opened to help the homeless, the Rebuild Center was closed this past week. Inside, inside every door lock was being changed to provide a new, sturdier barrier following a break-in which wrecked the doors of a medicine cabinet, and ruined a petty cash lockbox.

Fortunately, the lockbox was empty, according to center leaders.

“We were broken into Saturday night, and they took a computer and monitor, digital camera, they broke into a cabinet and took some medical supplies,” said Don Thompson, director of the Rebuild Center.

Up to 200 people come to the Rebuild Center on a normal day, which is operated by four charitable agencies to give the homeless a respite from the streets, and a place to begin making the changes that lead to jobs, housing and new lives.

"They could get laundry, they could use the toilets, hey could make a phone call, get their mail, get their IDs, get medical help, get food,” said Sister Vera Butler, Lantern Light Mission.

But what disturbs Rebuild Center leaders is that a set of keys was stolen and used to let the thieves into the complex, and that they knew exactly where to look for something to steal. Staffers worry that someone they tried to help has ripped them off.

“There's anger that, you know, you go through all the work and provide a nice, good facility like this, and one person takes advantage of it,” said Father Perry Henry, St. Joseph Church.

But regardless of who was responsible, the Rebuild Center has been closed while the locks were changed, and those seeking help were turned away. It was not good news at the nearby homeless tent community along Claiborne Avenue.

"It's bad because a lot of people rely on that center to wash their clothes; to shower up,” said homeless person Tyrone Collins.

Rebuild Center leaders know the new locks will provide better security, but they understand a whole new security system is needed. But those extra security measures are not in the budget.

Thus far, the thefts and new locks have cost the Rebuild Center about $4,000. And when the center reopens on Friday, it will be a less trusting place, with everything locked up.

“We're in a hurry because we want to serve them as quickly as we can, and now…you have to lock doors before you,” Sister Vera said. It's not going to be as friendly."

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Donations to cover the losses due to the break-in or to help the Rebuild Center obtain a new security system can be made by calling the center at 273-5547, extension 135.