OUR HISTORY
WHO WE ARE
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
– Jesus, Matthew 9:36
Waterfront Rescue Mission believes that caring for the poor and homeless is not an option; it is a mandate from the Lord. Since its founding in 1949, the Mission has been a place where those who have nothing left can find hope and experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
What began as a refuge for wayward fishermen has grown into full-service Missions in two cities that provide faith-based rescue and recovery programs that are lifting people out of homelessness, poverty, and addiction. Waterfront Rescue Mission operates 10 locations along the Gulf Coast, including seven Thrift Stores.
HISTORY OF THE PENSACOLA RESCUE MISSION
Overnight guests checking into historic Waterfront Rescue Mission shelter in the 1950’s, previously located in downtown Pensacola.
For over 70 years, Waterfront Rescue Mission has been a beacon of hope for thousands of hungry and homeless men in Pensacola, Florida. Each night up to 150 homeless men come to the Mission, and are greeted with a nutritious meal, a warm shower, a clean change of clothes and a caring counselor who listens.
Many of these men are at the end of their rope; the Mission is a knot that they can hold on to. Waterfront Rescue Mission is determined to provide compassionate help, individual attention, a plan for success, and most of all, knowledge about the Gospel.
Chaplain Fredrick welcomes guests as they check in for a meal at Waterfront Rescue Mission’s modern Pensacola Campus.
Waterfront serves thousands of guests yearly in its Pensacola and Mobile shelters, constructed in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Both facilities provide overnight shelter, short-term programs for people experiencing homelessness, connection to VA services, a Recuperation dorm for our injured or ill guests, and access to the LifeBuilder Recovery Program and Career Development Program.
Waterfront Rescue Mission has served over 80,000 hungry and homeless individuals since its inception in 1949. The Mission meets the basic physical needs of the men who come off the streets for a place to sleep and collaborates with numerous community partners to connect guests to vital services, such as physical and mental health care, women’s services, life skills, job opportunities, Veterans’ services, and permanent housing. Waterfront’s goal is to meet each guest as a friend and to help determine the next steps to help them on the path to healing and restoration.
It is our privilege to practice radical hospitality each and every day, offering opportunities for life transformation to our esteemed guests.
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