Muscogee Creek Tribe in Walton County - Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care


	Ginny Barr, representatives from COPE Center, and the newspaper joined just about the entire Opportunity, Inc. staff (Lydia stayed home to mind the store) on a trip to meet with the Creek leaders and get a glimpse of the crisis this tribe, and their neighbors, find themselves in. It was a memorable day, one that will remain inspirational for years to come. First, I want to thank everyone whose outpouring of generosity added a great deal to our welcome. We went over with a 19-foot truck filled with all the items that had been requested as being particular needs - baby care items, including car seats, high chairs, toys, diapers, baby wipes; professional and casual clothing, including shoes, in all sizes; sheets, blankets, personal care items, etc. Many of you have donated to maintain utilities for those who have utilities, as well as food and other items. The meals created by Christ the King and transported by Rev. Tandy and St. Stephens Baptist were discussed with raves. DCF attended a health fair and started enrolling families in food stamp and Medicaid programs. Your work definitely helped transform lives.
	Next, it was a total treat to meet with the Ann Tucker, Tribal Councilwoman, her husband Chuck and their companion in compassion, Elaine Underwood from the Bruce United Methodist Church. Chuck was telling us that the Creeks were originally two tribes - the White Stick Creeks and the Red Stick Creeks. As you would guess, the White Stick Creeks trended toward pacifism, while the Red Sticks were more bellicose. Long ago the Creeks merged, and all tribal councils are now built with both red and white sticks to celebrate the union. However, the symbolism remains. Chuck told us that his wife's family traced back to the White Sticks, but Ann was pure Red Stick all the way. She is certainly a warrior for her people. She has arranged for food bank deliveries, angel food ministries, and for monthly visits from the Pancare medical clinics. She is talking to the Children's Volunteer Health Network for assistance with children's dentistry and medical care.
	I cannot describe the extent of poverty and homelessness in this area, nor can Ann, Chuck or Elaine with precise certainty. This area of south Walton County is vast, and large parts of it are virtually inaccessible. On our tour of some of the more mildly blighted areas, we went from paved roads, to dirt roads, to dust roads, to a series of pits, to nothing. People stood on the side of the roads staring as Ginny and I drove by with our carpools, trying to imagine why or how anyone had gotten there. There isn't a lot of traffic out this way. What there was, amongst the beauty of the river banks and woods, was the evidence of families struggling to make do, to survive. Shacks were erected with black plastic trash bags for windows. What looked to be woodsheds or small outbuildings with windows missing and boards falling off were homes for families. Some very bright and picturesque house boats looked colorful and hopeful, but as permanent homes, they are very inadequate (no kitchens, bathrooms, utilities). They also tend to be inadequately moored - these water-based homes are subject to destruction every time the river rises. Rusted out pop-up campers and old RVs serve as housing. Chuck told us of one man who was thrilled to upgrade to a new trailer - just 30 years old. Meanwhile, another family moved into the old one. Normally, these families survive by hunting, fishing, and working seasonal jobs along the coast and in construction. The hunting and fishing continue, but the seasonal jobs have either been curtailed or lost altogether. The nearest jobs are over 30 miles away, and transportation is an enormous issue. Families just making a small living are failing. More families are experiencing substance-abuse issues, or have family members in jail for petty theft and other misdemeanors. Although no one as yet has a complete handle on the extent of poverty and homelessness, they are aware that is epidemic. Based on the numbers and reports from those coming in looking for help, Elaine estimated that between 1500-2000 persons are living in extreme poverty, and at least 500 are homeless. So, what to do? We agreed on three projects for immediate action: 1) Conduct a thorough needs assessment, to get a close idea of the numbers of persons in need of help, and the resources required to help them regain self-sufficiency. 2) Renovate and expand a small building to serve as a multi-purpose room, including use as a food pantry, medical and dental clinic, and library. 3) Create a recreational area for families, with basketball court, ball field, public restroom, swings, slides, grassy area. This would serve as a hub for community life, create positive activity and hope as opposed to allowing young ones to slide into despair and substance abuse. As every study and report on the incidence of substance abuse among the young verifies, substance abuse is a more serious issue in remote rural areas than in urban ones. A sense of belonging and something to do can bring new life to a struggling area. Again, thank you for your wonderful response, first in loading up our truck and donating funds for utilities. I know many of you will help make the next three priorities a reality. It isn't only just the tribal leaders who are inspiring - many of you give cause for renewed energy and determination every day. Donate Funds Directly to the Muscogee Creek Tribe The Muscogee Creek Tribe has set up a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit to provide assistance to this area of our world. You can send contributions to Opportunity, Inc. for us to forward, or send checks directly to: Muscogee Nation of Florida 278 Church Road Bruce, Florida, 32455 Designate funds to go to "rural relief."


Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum Care / Opportunity, Inc.
Opportunity, Inc. (Admin Office) 203 Cloverdale Boulevard, Suite B Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 Phone: (850) 409-3070 Fax: (850) 409-3071 info@okaloosawaltonhomeless.org	Opportunity Place 305 Lovejoy Road Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Phone: (850) 659-3190 Fax: (850) 659-3191