Waterfront Mission has launched Threads of Hope, a community initiative to provide clothing assistance to homeless and at-risk students across the Gulf Coast as they prepare for the new school year.
- Program Overview: The program encourages community members to purchase Waterfront Thrift gift cards, which are distributed directly to local school districts, including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Mobile, and Baldwin counties. The districts distribute gift cards to families in need, allowing them to purchase suitable clothing for their children. Last school year, the five counties served 8,700 homeless students.
Additional Program Benefits
Each gift card purchase supports Waterfront Mission’s broader programs that provide meals, shelter, and recovery services to individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.
- “We first learned about the urgent need for clothing from our partners at Escambia County Homeless Student Services,” explains Mark Isbell, Vice President of PR and Development. “As we spoke with them, we realized just how powerful our community could be if we came together. With the support of our generous thrift shoppers and the communities surrounding each of our seven stores, we knew we could expand this outreach across every school district we serve.”
Participation Information
Waterfront Mission’s goal is to raise $15,000 in gift cards through this campaign, with $3,000 designated for each school district. A $50 gift card provides clothing for one student and funds 25 meals at the Mission.
The public can purchase Waterfront Thrift gift cards online at WaterfrontThrift.org or at any of the seven store locations in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Mobile, or Foley.
- All gift cards collected through August will be distributed to students in need, with school systems handling distribution to maintain privacy and continuity of care for families.
About Waterfront Mission
Serving the Gulf Coast since 1949, Waterfront Rescue Mission offers hope and changes lives through comprehensive services including shelter, addiction recovery, job training, and spiritual guidance.
Contact Information:
Mark Isbell, Vice President of PR & Development
misbell@waterfrontmission.org
www.waterfrontmission.org
Waterfront Rescue Mission, 350 W Herman St. Pensacola, FL 32571
