Mission & History
CITA Rescue Mission exists to bring true life transformation to the homeless, at-risk, and hurting right here in our community— by sharing the Gospel and compassion of Jesus Christ while providing shelter, intervention, and faith-based, life-changing support.
Founded in 1969 by Johnny & Helen Ellison, CITA has been a steady place of hope on the Space Coast for generations. Our philosophy is the same today as it was in the beginning: Christ is the Answer.
- Gospel-centered help for real people in real crisis.
- Long-term restoration—not quick fixes.
- Community-supported—no state or federal funding.
CITA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1969. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Why We Exist
CITA Rescue Mission is here for the moments when life falls apart—and for the long road back to wholeness. We believe people can change because Jesus changes people.
Inspire True Life Transformation
We inspire true life transformation for the homeless, at-risk, and hurting in our community by sharing the Gospel and compassion of Jesus Christ, while providing shelter and intervention through faith-based, life-changing support.
Hope That Lasts
Our Vision is for each individual we serve to experience God’s restoration while finding and fulfilling their God-given identity and potential in life.
Compassion + Truth
We meet urgent needs with compassion and we walk with people toward lasting change through structure, discipleship, accountability, counseling, and practical support.
Our Story on the Space Coast
CITA was founded by Johnny & Helen Ellison. Johnny’s heart for the homeless was so large that he dedicated his life to serve people who were neglected or facing the worst moments of their lives. He invited men in, provided a place to stay, helped them on the road to recovery—and most importantly, shared the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The Ellisons’ hard work and faithful witness paved the way for CITA to be established in 1969 in a two-story house on the Indian River. Through Johnny’s and Ms. Helen’s witness, countless men have found the Lord and experienced life transformation.
CITA began with a simple, Christ-centered approach: shelter, care, accountability, and Gospel hope—meeting real needs while pointing people to Jesus.
Johnny served as Executive Director until he went to be with the Lord in 1997. His legacy still shapes CITA’s mission and culture today.
Johnny’s son, Daniel Ellison, served as Executive Director from 1997–2013, continuing the same Gospel-centered foundation.
Buddy Morrow joined CITA as CEO and President in 2014, strengthening the mission’s long-term restoration focus while keeping Christ central.
Ms. Helen stayed close to the mission until she passed into the arms of Jesus in 2019—leaving behind a legacy of steadfast faith and love.
CITA expanded restoration care in 2024 with the opening of Helen’s House—a dedicated women and children’s center in Melbourne providing safe shelter and a faith-based path forward for up to 32 women and children.
Today, CITA serves Melbourne through two restoration campuses: our men’s campus near Johnny Ellison Drive (housing up to 52 men) and Helen’s House for women and children (serving up to 32). The philosophy remains the same as it was in the beginning: CHRIST IS THE ANSWER.
Be Part of the Story
CITA is still here because the Space Coast keeps showing up—through donations, volunteers, thrift store shoppers, and prayer. If you want to help restore lives in Melbourne and across Brevard County, here are a few meaningful ways to start.