WATERFRONT RESCUE MISSION OPENS NEW FACILITY WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
CONTACT: DEO Communications, 850.617.5600, media@deo.myflorida.com
WATERFRONT RESCUE MISSION opens new facility with assistance from the florida department of economic opportunity
PENSACOLA – Waterfront Rescue Mission celebrated the grand opening of their new Men’s Rescue Shelter in Pensacola on Sunday, Sept. 9. The new facility has been constructed to be able to sustain hurricane force winds and accommodate the homeless community in times of disaster. Funding for this project was made available through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Community Redevelopment Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery Program.
The CDBG Disaster Recovery Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and is administered by the DEO. CDBG Disaster Recovery funds are made available to states, units of local governments and insular areas designated as disaster areas by the President of the United States. Communities must have significant unmet recovery needs and the capacity to carry out a disaster recovery program.
“While we have not received government funding before, the CDBG funds do not obstruct the integrity of our Christian-based programs and we were excited to be able to create a disaster shelter in addition to expanding our existing services,” said Waterfront Rescue Mission President Mick Breault.
“It is oft said that government alone cannot sustain and grow a community’s needs, and the Waterfront Rescue Mission is a perfect example of the beauty of effective collaboration,” said DEO Executive Director Hunting F. Deutsch. “Because of the CDBG Disaster Recovery Program, Waterfront Rescue Mission can significantly expand service delivery far beyond providing for basic human needs. Thanks to a network of partners, and a much larger facility, this organization can further integrate a wide array of educational and job resource opportunities, which will help set individuals on a path toward a more productive future.”
The previous shelter was located in a flood zone near the Pensacola Bay and had sustained damage from previous storms. The new facility is now on a piece of property away from the water. During non-disaster times the facility serves as a homeless shelter and offers an addiction recovery program. The Mission increased its capacity from 65 beds to 126 beds. In addition, the new facility now offers 10 respite beds for those who are medically needy, designated beds for veterans, and is able to accommodate 300 people in times of disaster.
Development of this facility has provided work for approximately 132 skilled personnel representing a variety of construction trades and professions, ranging from general contractors to electricians and plumbers. In addition, new HUD Section 3 qualified employees have and continue to benefit through the opportunities provided during construction of the facility. More information on the HUD Section 3 program may be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/section3/Section3.pdf.
While the Mission has completed the shelter facility, the dedicated staff hopes to renovate an existing building next to their new shelter that can serve as a Day Resource Center for the homeless. If you are interested in finding out more about this facility or making a donation, you may visit www.waterfrontmission.org
[cid:image005.jpg@01CD91C4.85761BA0] Above: Lobby area of the new Waterfront Rescue Mission men’s shelter, sign reads “If you don’t have a friend in the world…you’ll find one here.” [cid:image007.jpg@01CD91C4.85761BA0] Above: Aerial view of the new Waterfront Rescue Mission men’s facility in Pensacola.
About the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org
About the Waterfront Rescue Mission Waterfront Rescue Mission is a Christian organization that has provided rescue and recovery services for men and women along the Gulf Coast since 1949. The services offered include providing food, shelter and clothing to the homeless as well as addiction recovery and career development programs for men and women. These programs are supported through generous donations from the community and proceeds from the seven Bargain Centers that Waterfront Rescue Mission operates. Call 888.853.8655 or visit www.waterfrontmission.org
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