''One Hopeful Night'' - Experience being homeless in Okaloosa County

In an effort to bring awareness to this county-wide issue - and to kick off the fundraising campaign for the 8-acre One Hopeful Place homeless resource center off Lewis Turner Blvd. - Community Solutions invites all interested citizens, business leaders and anyone who has a caring heart and wants to make a difference in the community to experience what it is like to not have a home to go to at night.

"One Hopeful Night" will be held on Dec. 3, 2015, on the grounds of First Baptist Church (21 First Street) in Fort Walton Beach, from 7 pm until until 7 am on Dec. 4.  Participants ("Sleepers) will arrive with the clothes on their back and will be issued a piece of cardboard for the night.  A typical meal for the homeless will be served at 7 pm by the Saint Mary Soup Kitchen, and then participants will spend the rest of that night "making do" as our homeless neighbors must do routinely.  The event will be held rain or shine.  There will be a fire for warmth, and if the temperature falls below 40 degrees, participants will move inside and experience the feel of a Cold Night Shelter.  If it rains, the group will huddle underneath anwings nearby.

The all-night event will be followed by breakfast at 7 am at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee, held at First Baptist Church Life Center.  Participants will have the option of sharing their experinces with the Chamber members.

There is no cost to participate.  However if Sleepers wish to have comfort items, they may secure contributions and pledges by Dec. 1.  Comfort items include:  Cot ($25 contribution); sleeping bag/blanket (bring your own for a $50 contribution); tarp/cardboard box ($75 contribution); and for $100 you may sleep in your car.

Participants may pay $25 per hour to opt out of any hours between 7 pm and 7 am.

Those who have been - or currently are - homeless may join the group to share their stories of life on the street.  Their histories will surely not include the same luxuries that this group will have. 

This night of fundraising and experience will be a prelude to the official Ground Breaking for One Hopeful Place, which will occur on
Thursday, Dec. 12, at 2 pm at 1568 Percy Coleman Road in Fort Walton Beach.

Homeless Statistics for Okaloosa County:

• More than 500 school children are listed as homeless annually in Okaloosa County.
• Okaloosa County Cold Night Shelters average nearly 100 people per night.  The majority are families/grandmothers.
• 14% of the homeless population in Okaloosa County is veterans who are struggling to better their lives.

For more information, and to confirm your spot for this unique experience, please contact the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce (FWB.com) at 850-244-8191.