A Family Legacy, Passed down
The Bread of Life Mission began with our grandmother, who fed the displaced of our community long before it was called a ministry.
Her work was carried forward by our mother, our founder, Judy Jones, who built the mission into what it is today. It has since been entrusted to us, her daughters, Brenda and Linda Jones, who continue to keep this family legacy alive because the need remains great.
We do not ask those in our care to leave each morning, and we do not limit how long someone may stay. Some of our residents have called the mission home for over twenty years.
Food is available throughout the day, and residents may remain sheltered from the sun and rain in the units we provide, for as long as they need us.
1960
A grandmother’s calling
Our mission’s roots begin with one woman feeding the displaced of Punta Gorda.
Second Generation
Founder Judy Jones
Our mother carries the work forward and establishes the mission as a lasting institution of care.
Today
Brenda & Linda Jones
The founder’s daughters continue the mission, welcoming all who need shelter, regardless of where they come from.
Serving Punta Gorda, Florida Since 1960
The Bread of Life Mission has been a steady presence in Punta Gorda, Florida for more than sixty years, offering shelter, hot meals, and faith-based support to individuals and families facing homelessness and hunger throughout Charlotte County. What began as one woman's decision to feed the displaced members of her community has grown into a full-time mission carried forward by three generations of the same family.
Today, we operate as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization at 6454 Scott St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, open every day of the year without exception. Unlike facilities that impose strict curfews or limit stays to thirty days, our residents are welcome to remain with us for as long as they need, and some have called this mission home for over twenty years.
We hold current fire safety inspection certification and maintain membership with the Florida Association of Nonprofits, reflecting our ongoing commitment to accountability and community trust. Anyone in Punta Gorda or the surrounding area facing housing instability, hunger, or crisis is welcome to reach out, regardless of how long they've been without stable support.
Shelter, Food, and Stability for All
Our mission is grounded in a simple conviction: no one in Punta Gorda should go without a safe place to sleep, a warm meal, or a path toward stability. We provide continuous access to shelter and food, along with daily Bible study and pastoral guidance, because we believe recovery and independence take root when basic needs are consistently met rather than met on a schedule.
Beyond meals and lodging, we work directly with residents to navigate government resources such as SSI, disability assistance, and food stamps, and to connect them with long-term housing solutions that lead toward genuine independence.
As a Christian-based nonprofit operating without government funding, every part of our mission depends on the generosity of donors, churches, and community members who share our belief that homelessness in Punta Gorda deserves a hands-on, personal response. Our goal extends beyond emergency relief; we aim to walk with each person from crisis toward self-sufficiency, offering not just a bed for the night but a foundation for lasting change.
Safety and a Stable Environment
Every person who comes through our doors deserves to feel secure. The Bread of Life Mission maintains on-site security to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for residents, visitors, and staff alike. We provide stable, dependable living conditions — a place where residents are not made to feel transient, but are given the security of knowing they have somewhere to belong for as long as they need it.
Our facility includes covered units that shelter residents from the elements, ensuring that no one is left exposed to the sun or rain. This stability, paired with round-the-clock availability, allows our residents to focus on healing, growth, and rebuilding their lives without the added stress of uncertainty.
The Legacy
The mission, by the numbers.
These figures reflect more than statistics; they represent decades of consistent presence, family commitment, and real stability for the people of Punta Gorda. Behind every number is a person fed, sheltered, or given a place to belong.
66
Years serving Punta Gorda, since 1960
24/7
Shelter, meals, and security, every hour
3
Generations of one family leading this ministry
20+
Years some residents have called us home