The Facts - Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care

2010 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 2010 Point in Time Survey results show that there are 2,262 homeless persons in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Click here for a full report!

Sex
54.9% are Male
45.1% are Female

Age
46.5% are under children under 18 years old
51.1% are 18-60 years old
2.4% are Elderly and over 60 years old

Veteran
17.5% are veterans

Marital Status
75.8% are single
24.2% are married

Disabling Conditions
27.5% have disabling conditions

Causes of Homelessness
71.6% due to Employment/Financial Reasons
8.9% due to Housing Issues
28.3% due to Medical Disability Problems
2.6% due to Forced to Relocate From Home
23.2% due to Family Problems
0.5% 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.


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