Community Engagement at First Baptist Church of Warrington: A Call for Change

More than 700 community members gathered at the First Baptist Church of Warrington this week to engage in a critical dialogue with local leaders about pressing issues affecting their lives. The event, organized by Justice United Seeking Transformation Pensacola (JUST Pensacola), served as a platform for discussing the urgent need for affordable rental housing and the alarming rates of nonviolent arrests among children and adults.

The Role of JUST Pensacola

JUST Pensacola is a coalition of nearly 20 congregations from various denominations that convenes annually to foster relationships and address community challenges. This year, the organization has placed a spotlight on two significant issues: the scarcity of affordable rental housing and the need for diversion programs aimed at reducing arrests for nonviolent offenses.

At the community meeting held on May 6, members shared insights and invited local leaders to participate in the conversation. Their objective is clear: to drive change and hold elected officials accountable for addressing these pressing concerns.

The Affordable Housing Crisis

The steering committee focused on affordable housing highlighted a "severe, persistent, and growing gap" in the availability of rental units. According to the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, over 23,378 households in Escambia County struggle to find affordable places to live.

Many residents, even those employed full-time, find it increasingly difficult to meet market rental rates. Vulnerable populations, including individuals on fixed incomes or those with disabilities, face tough choices between paying rent, buying groceries, and affording medications.

The statistics are alarming: three out of four renting households in Escambia County spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities. This financial strain was poignantly illustrated by a letter read at the meeting from Judy Mott, a woman battling stage 4 cancer, who expressed her fears of potential rent increases that could jeopardize her ability to meet basic living expenses.

Community Land Trust: A Proposed Solution

In response to the housing crisis, JUST Pensacola has long advocated for the establishment of an affordable housing trust fund to incentivize the development of affordable housing. Following the launch of the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust (CLT) by Pensacola Habitat for Humanity in 2023, JUST is urging local leaders to donate land to support this initiative.

The CLT operates on a shared equity homeownership model designed to make homeownership attainable for low-income households. JUST believes this model can create permanent affordable housing solutions. Pensacola Habitat CEO Sam Young announced plans for an Affordable Rental Program, aimed at providing high-quality single-family homes for families not yet ready for homeownership but in need of stable, affordable housing.

Addressing Nonviolent Arrest Rates

The second major issue discussed at the meeting was the high arrest rates of children for nonviolent offenses. JUST Pensacola’s criminal justice steering committee raised concerns about the underutilization of the Juvenile Civil Citation Program, which allows law enforcement to issue citations instead of making arrests for first-time misdemeanor offenses committed by youth aged 8-17.

Despite the program’s expansion in 2019, usage has declined significantly. In 2023, Juvenile Civil Citations were issued in 67% of eligible cases, but this dropped to just 36% in 2024. For adults, only 17 civil citations were issued throughout the entire year.

A Call for Accountability

JUST Pensacola is advocating for increased accountability and training for local law enforcement regarding these diversion programs. They requested that the State Attorney provide more training for officers and offer quarterly data updates on the usage of civil citations. Although the State Attorney acknowledged the importance of these programs, she indicated that local police do not report directly to her office.

Despite these challenges, community members remain committed to pressing for change. Marian Bennett, a JUST member, emphasized the importance of persistence in their efforts: “We don’t expect instant results, but we do expect each other to show up, to stay committed, and to press on. We’re building something that’s bigger than a single movement. We’re building a future for a more just Pensacola.”

Conclusion

The gathering at First Baptist Church of Warrington exemplifies the power of community engagement in addressing local issues. As residents and leaders come together to tackle the challenges of affordable housing and criminal justice reform, the hope is that their collective efforts will lead to meaningful change in Escambia County. The commitment to advocacy and accountability remains strong, as community members continue to fight for justice and equity in their neighborhoods.