Caring for the Vulnerable During Historic Cold Weather: A Chat with Waterfront Mission’s Clay Romano

This morning, Waterfront Mission President/CEO Clay Romano joined Pensacola News Radio host Andrew McKay to discuss the impactful week at the Mission. A historic snowstorm swept through Pensacola, creating one of the busiest weeks ever for the Mission’s operations.

During the conversation, Clay highlighted the Mission’s response to the crisis and the efforts to care for the most vulnerable in our community during the freezing temperatures.

“We had a record-high number of individuals at the Mission, and our teams have been stepping up to take care of them,” Clay shared.

Unprecedented Numbers at the Mission

Clay emphasized how the extreme weather dramatically increased the need for shelter and care:

“During normal weather, we see 150-160 individuals in Pensacola and a little less in Mobile. Last night alone, we had just over 360 individuals across our locations.”

The Mission’s commitment to serving the community was on full display, as Clay explained how they adjusted operations to ensure no one was left out in the cold:

“During this extreme weather, we suspend all our normal operating procedures. There’s no charge for overnight stays because we just want to take care of as many of God’s children as we can.”

Gratitude and Ongoing Efforts

Clay expressed gratitude to Andrew McKay for providing a platform to share the Mission’s story and efforts during this challenging time. The conversation shed light on the critical work being done to support those in need, not only during the snowstorm but throughout the year.

Thank you to everyone who supports the Mission, enabling us to serve the community in its times of greatest need. Together, we can continue to provide hope and help to those who need it most.

Tune in below to hear the full interview!