New Patio Provides Comfort and Shade for the Vulnerable

Waterfront Rescue Mission celebrated the completion of its new outdoor patio with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 16 at the Pensacola Mission.

Made possible through a generous grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, the project transformed an existing bike shed into a shaded and welcoming
outdoor space where guests can find comfort, rest, and relief from the elements.

“This project reflects our desire to follow the example of Jesus Christ by caring for those in
need” said Jake Smith, Pensacola Stake President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Waterfront Mission to create a place where individuals can find comfort, dignity, and hope. We pray this patio will be a blessing to many for years to come.”

For individuals experiencing homelessness, especially during Northwest Florida’s intense
summer heat, access to safe and shaded areas can make a significant difference. Many
guests who visit the Mission for Day Services spend hours outdoors between appointments, meals, and overnight services. While some simply seek a quiet place to sit
and enjoy fresh air, the campus previously had very limited shaded seating available.
As a result, guests often found themselves sitting or lying on concrete walkways near
building entrances in search of relief from the sun. Not only was this uncomfortable and
hazardous, but it highlighted a growing need for a dedicated outdoor gathering space
where guests could rest with dignity.

The grant funding allowed Waterfront Mission to:
● Open the existing bike barn structure by removing wood panels
● Pour a concrete foundation and install epoxy surface
● Purchase and install picnic tables and benches
● Add a water fountain
● Install outdoor trash bins
● Create charging stations for phones and devices
● Install outdoor fans and heaters for comfort during extreme weather
● Replace existing bike racks

The new “Waterfront Patio” will serve guests utilizing the Mission’s Day Services and
overnight shelter programs, providing a safe, comfortable environment where they can
cool off, recharge devices, connect with others, and take a moment to rest.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for believing
in this project and investing in the people we serve,” said Clay Romano, President of
Waterfront Rescue Mission. “During the summer months, the heat can be overwhelming
for individuals who have nowhere else to go. This patio provides much-needed shade,
comfort, and a place of refuge. We know it will quickly become a favorite gathering space
for our guests.”

According to the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, 1,123 individuals were experiencing
homelessness in the Pensacola area, including 544 people living unsheltered. Each year,
Waterfront Rescue Mission serves thousands of men and women through emergency
shelter, meals, showers, laundry facilities, case management, job readiness assistance,
and long-term rescue and recovery programs.

Mission leaders hope the new patio will serve as more than just a place to rest—it will also
connect more individuals to the comprehensive support available through Waterfront’s
Day Services. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Day Service guests can
access a warm meal, shower and laundry facilities, clothing and hygiene items, mail
services, and connections to chaplains, case managers, and community partners who can
help address barriers to housing, employment, healthcare, and recovery.

For many individuals, utilizing Day Services is the first step toward a fresh start. It provides
an opportunity to build relationships, access critical resources, and learn about the
programs and services that can lead to lasting stability and life transformation.

To learn more about Waterfront’s Day Services, visit waterfrontmission.org/day-services.