Commission backs Rescue Mission's request for legislative support for emergency shelters

Panama City commissioners unanimously agreed Nov. 18 to support a request from the Panama City Rescue Mission for a legislative appropriation and a letter of municipal support to build emergency shelters at existing Rescue Mission campuses.

Ross Clemons, executive director of the Rescue Mission, told the commission his organization has assisted 258 people over three years through addiction recovery, employment support and housing transitions and now seeks shelter infrastructure to expand capacity. Clemons described the request as a means to provide emergency beds and to create a gateway into longer‑term, programmatic services; he emphasized the distinction between an emergency shelter (non‑religious, for immediate shelter and referrals) and the mission's faith‑based addiction recovery program.

Commissioners praised the Rescue Mission's track record and said they would support a letter and legislative outreach, while asking staff and the mission to keep operational parameters clear to protect downtown businesses and neighborhoods. Commissioner Lucas and others asked whether non‑faith funding sources and partners (for example Doorways) could be used to staff and run the emergency shelter so the shelter itself remains secular while the mission's recovery program continues as a voluntary, faith‑based option.

The motion to approve a letter of support and to endorse the Rescue Mission's legislative request passed 5‑0. The motion included direction to keep options broad for funding and location and to coordinate with law enforcement and neighborhood stakeholders.

Next steps: staff will prepare the letter of support and coordinate with the Rescue Mission on legislative outreach and any required city approvals or conditions.