Panama City Rescue Mission celebrates rebuilding men's shelter, still needs donations

PANAMA CITY − A local nonprofit organization continues working to raise enough money to get back on its feet.

With dozens of people in attendance, the Panama City Rescue Mission on Monday celebrated the reconstruction of its homeless shelter for men with the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. The facility underwent about $750,000 of renovations to fix damages caused by Category 5 Hurricane Michael in October 2018.

According to Stephen Fett, president and CEO of the local mission, this marked the second ribbon cutting ceremony for the shelter. The other was held in December for the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. The two events were separated to maximize the group's exposure as it works to raise enough money to house homeless men at the shelter, Fett said.

"There is no other place in our county for a homeless man to go," Fett said. "The closest places are in Tallahassee or Pensacola."

The facility partially reopened in November, offering free evening meals to those in need. However, it still needs to hire about a dozen employees before it can fully reopen.

"(The ceremony) was to recognize a milestone in a long journey since the hurricane," Fett said. "We're very excited, and it's just going to be a matter of time before we have all the money we need in order to fully fund the operations."

Free meals:'A huge step': Panama City Rescue Mission's men's facility reopens with free evening meals

Bouncing back from disaster: Panama City Rescue Mission renovated after Hurricane Michael, reopening men's shelter in May

Food was provided after the ceremony by the local Mission BBQ, according to a news release from the rescue mission. All restaurants in the brand close one day each year to serve the community as part of its National Day of Service. This was the third straight year the local Mission BBQ chose to serve the group.

Founded in 1973, the rescue mission works to move people from suffering to flourishing, specifically those who live either in poverty or are homeless. It also helps treat mental illnesses and addiction.

The group's shelter for homeless women and children escaped Hurricane Michael unscathed, and it has remained fully operational. Fett has said it boasts a 96% success rate for transitioning people to sobriety, a stable environment and secure housing.

Fett said in order for the shelter to fully open, it needs to raise about $350,000 a year to pay for the necessary staff. Those interested in donating to the shelter can do so through the rescue mission's website at www.pcrmission.org. Checks also can be mailed to the mission at P.O. Box 2359, Panama City 32402.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: PC Rescue Mission hosts ribbon cutting ceremony, still needs donations