By: Kristy Pate, Director of Marketing, United Way of West Florida
PENSACOLA, Fla. (July 9, 2026) -- Just one year ago, Jason had a job.
Today, the U.S. veteran is nearly blind, living with diabetes and experiencing homelessness after losing his employment when his eyesight rapidly declined. Without identification, even accessing benefits, medical care and housing assistance has become an uphill battle.
But at Epps Christian Center, hope is taking shape one step at a time.
Volunteers are helping Jason obtain a new ID so he can apply for food assistance and connect with services that can help him regain stability. Among those who recently met Jason was United Way of West Florida Marketing Specialist Erica Ragsdale, who was photographing Pastor Tisdale’s soup kitchen.
Listening to Jason share his story left a lasting impression.
"I couldn't stop thinking about Jason after I left," Ragsdale said. "Meeting him reminded me that homelessness isn't always the result of bad decisions. Sometimes life changes in ways people never see coming."
Wanting to help in a meaningful way, Ragsdale turned to Waterfront Mission's token program.
United Way of West Florida encourages employees to use 1.5 hours of paid wellness time each week to support their physical, mental or emotional well-being. Many employees choose to use that time volunteering in the community, reflecting the organization's belief that strong communities are built when people invest in one another.
Ragsdale used her wellness time to purchase Waterfront Mission tokens and return to Epps Christian Center to give them to Jason.
"One of the things I appreciate most about working at United Way is that we're encouraged to be involved in the community, not just during work hours but as part of who we are," Ragsdale said. "Using my wellness time to help someone like Jason felt like exactly what that time is meant for. Giving back is good for the community, but it's also good for the heart."
The tokens can be used in place of cash at Waterfront Mission’s Shelters.
"The money goes further this way than just donating $10," Ragsdale said. "They get a one-night stay and two meals."
For Annie Brown, a 77-year-old volunteer at Epps Christian Center, Jason's story is one of many that has changed her perspective on homelessness.
"I never knew people lived like this until a few years ago when I started volunteering," Brown said. "What we can promise them is not enough. It takes people coming together and sharing ideas on how to help."
Brown moved to Pensacola from Fort Lauderdale in 2016 after retiring. Looking for a way to stay active and give back, she found her calling at Epp Christian Center.
"I was retired and thought, 'What am I going to do every day?' So, I started volunteering here," she said.
Over the years, Brown has learned that compassion begins with awareness.
"When people have empathy and awareness, that gets the ball rolling," Brown said. "Information causes us to be more human than we were before."
She hopes Jason's next step will be one that brings the stability he needs.
"If Jason can get in a stable place like Waterfront Mission, maybe he can get his diabetes under control and get a bath and get some food," Brown said.
Jason's story is a reminder that homelessness can happen more quickly than many people realize. A medical diagnosis, the loss of a job or an unexpected hardship can change the course of a person's life in a matter of months.
For those who want to help but aren't sure how, Waterfront Mission tokens offer a simple way to make a meaningful difference. Each token provides more than a meal or a night's shelter—it offers an opportunity to connect someone with services that can help them begin rebuilding their life.
Sometimes, hope really does fit in the palm of your hand.
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