Fresh Start for Children and Families

Fresh Start is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving the area's homeless population for more than 30 years. The organization was formed in 1986 by local clergy, lay people, and citizens in response to the growing homeless population. Originally known as ''Okaloosa Coalition on the Homeless,'' the mission was operated entirely by volunteer staff until 1998, when we became a United Way Agency, which helped pay for staff and operations. In 2005, we changed our name to ''FRESH Start for Children and Families'' (FRESH = Freedom, Respect, Education, Safety, and Hope) to more accurately reflect our program focus on families.

Fresh Start operates three major programs: two are housing and education programs for homeless families; the third is open to the public, and is our primary funding source for the housing and education programs. The three Fresh Start programs are: Transitional Housing, Affordable (Step-up) Housing, and Repeat Street Thrift Store.