The Panama City Commission unanimously approved a motion on Nov. 18 to send a letter of support for a state appropriation requested by the Panama City Rescue Mission to build emergency shelters for men and women.

Ross Clemens, executive director of the Rescue Mission, told the commission the organization has helped 258 people into recovery, employment and housing over three years and described the shelters as necessary infrastructure to expand the outreach from programmatic (faith-based recovery) services to a non-faith-based emergency shelter model. Clemens said existing facilities provide commercial kitchens and laundry that could support shelter operations and that the mission is working with Doorways to secure staffing and federal/state funding for non-faith-based services.

Commissioners voiced broad support but underscored the need for operational safeguards to avoid reverting to past issues associated with similar facilities. Commissioners asked about alternative sites and staffing needs; Clemens said moving to a different site is possible but would add costs and staffing complexity. He provided insured-building values for existing facilities (Allen Avenue insured value approx. $1.5 million; 11th Street building insured at $495,000) and described the mission's effort to coordinate with police and other partners.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the support letter by unanimous roll-call vote (5-0).

What's next: The Rescue Mission will pursue legislative appropriations and staff said commission support will accompany the request.