Waterfront Mission Launches Token Program as Alternative to Cash

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- The Waterfront Mission has launched a token program that gives community members an alternative to handing cash to people experiencing homelessness.

Each token provides one free night of shelter, food, a shower, and clothes at either the Pensacola or Mobile mission. Vice President Mark Isbell says the program ensures donations go toward meaningful services.

"It's a way that you know when you give someone on the street something, you actually know what it's going towards," Isbell said. "Rather than just handing someone $10 and hoping that it goes towards a meal or a night of shelter, providing them a token provides them so much more."

Isbell says the goal is to get people through the door where they can enroll in programs that provide long-term change, not just meet immediate needs.

"If we can get somebody to actually come to the mission, we have the opportunity to then enroll them in one of our programs that we can offer those life-changing services," Isbell said.

Tokens can be purchased online at waterfrontmission.org or at the mission. Buyers can have tokens shipped home or pick them up at the thrift store. People can also purchase tokens for the mission's outreach team to distribute in homeless camps.

The Waterfront Mission served 4,129 individuals in 2025 and provided nearly 85,000 nights of shelter.