Our Lady of Mercy

This shelter and soup kitchen in Southside operates not far from the edge of The Boardwalk. The mission was established by the Catholic Archdiocese, which continues to run it with a dedicated staff of nuns and volunteer help. The success of the mission is at least partly linked to the fact the Mob has declared Our Lady of Mercy off-limits. They leave the mission alone, and even donate money to it from time to time. Anyone who causes trouble for the nuns or the mission has to answer to the Mob, so most criminals give it a wide berth.