Pensacola's Waterfront Mission doubles bed space

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - With temperatures dropping around the area, many shelters are opening their doors to those in need.

The Waterfront Rescue Mission in Pensacola can now help twice the number of people that it could  before.

A total of 74 beds are now available and with recent temperatures freezing or near freezing, dozens have come to check in nights of severe weather.

“We realized that 37 beds would not be enough and we had been talking for some time about doubling our capacity. I guess the administration finally decided we should make that investment,” said Chaplain George Clyde.

Ronald Carter knows first-hand what the Mission means to the men they take in.

He’s spent the last four months in their disciple program after finding himself homeless.

"It really means a lot for the guys to come in out of the cold. It helped me get closer to the Lord and get back on the right track," Carter said, "It helped me get off drugs and get back into bible study. I’m really excited about my future."

Chaplain Clyde says once the bunks are full, they still have more than 70 mats the men can use. He says despite the limited number, no one will be turned away.

“We understand the most important thing is human life. God gave us that life and it’s precious so we want to protect that. It’s vital people have shelter and a place to stay," said Clyde.

"This place was like a net to catch me and keep me from falling all the way down. I really thank God for it,” Carter said.