The Facts - Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care

2011 Homeless Point-in-Time Survey Results

Volunteers, law enforcement and Continuum of Care staff conduct the point-in-time survey each year to meet federal and state requirements (neither of which funds this survey), but the real value lies in enhancing our ability to meet the needs of our homeless and near-homeless populations, and plan more accurately for the future.

The 2011 Point in Time Survey results show that there are 2,764 homeless persons in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Click here for a full report! Click here for the latest statistics related to the oil spill.

Sex
45.1% are Male
54.8% are Female

Age
50.4% are under children under 18 years old
43.2% are 18-60 years old
4.8% are Elderly and over 60 years old

Veteran
17.9% are veterans

Disabling Conditions
37.7% have disabling conditions

Causes of Homelessness
50.7% due to Employment/Financial Reasons
7.7% due to Housing Issues
16.4% due to Medical Disability Problems
2.8% due to Forced to Relocate From Home
19.1% due to Family Problems
0.3% due to Recent Immigration

How can anyone be homeless here?

20% of our residents spend more than 50% of their income on housing
Florida is one of the leading states in foreclosures
Jobs in the tourist industry are often seasonal, part-time, and/or unskilled
Less than half of those with mental illness seek treatment, or even recognize that they are ill

Some of these people are getting help. Members of the Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care have secured housing and jobs for parents, re-united families, provided funds for health care and prescription medication, and opened doors to further education. Success stories abound. Given opportunity, most homeless persons will transform their lives. A list of our service providers are available by clicking here.

Real Time U.S. Census Data


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