Okaloosa Coalition on the Homeless, Inc.
F.R.E.S.H. Start
6 Bobolink St., NE
Ft. Walton Beach, Florida 32548
(850) 243-5648 fax (850) 244-5717
The Okaloosa Coalition on the Homeless, Inc. is a non-profit organization. The Homeless Coalition is the Continuum of Care for Okaloosa and Walton Counties' Lead Agency and operates F.R.E.S.H. Start, a temporary homeless shelter where families and single women can get a fresh start on the road to self-sufficiency by the Freedom to Respect oneself through Education in Safety with Hope for the future. Last year, the Coalition was able to co-ordinate with the Mental Health Association and the United Way to provide warm clothing for homeless individuals, including new suits for 50 persons seeking jobs, winter coats for 100 more. In addition to the 150 persons assisted per year at its facility, the Coalition provides referrals for housing, educational opportunities, food and clothing for 1875 more people. The Coalition was able to provide food for 22,650 meals and over 10,000 garments of clothing to people in desperate need. The Continuum of Care for Okaloosa and Walton Counties is comprised of 38 agencies providing service to the homeless. These agencies range from shelters to food banks to churches to substance abuse and mental health treatment centers to first responders to homeless needs, such as the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. Persons needing assistance may contact Marty Lackey, Executive Director of the Coalition at 243-5648.