Frequently Asked Questions
Information & Resources
FAQ
Do you know how many people per night stay at Okaloosa and Walton Counties' cold shelters?
Okaloosa and Walton Counties’ cold night shelters average about 100 people per night, and most of those are families/grandmothers, not the “guys on the street.”
Do you know how many veterans in our community are experiencing homelessness?
According to the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, approximately 43 veterans were experiencing homelessness in the Okaloosa-Walton Continuum of Care, representing about 11% of the local homeless population.
Do you know how many families in Okaloosa and Walton Counties are experiencing homelessness?
The 2025 Point-in-Time Count identified 52 people in families with children experiencing homelessness in the Okaloosa-Walton Continuum of Care. This included 18 households with at least one adult and one child and 34 children under the age of 18. These families were staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered locations. This represents the official federal count conducted on a single night in January 2025.
Do you know how many children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties live below the poverty line?
Thousands of children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties face the daily challenges of growing up in poverty. Current data shows that approximately 13.6% of children in Okaloosa County and 13.9% of children in Walton County live below the federal poverty line.
Is the number of homeless in Florida higher than surrounding States?
Yes. According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness:
As of January 2025, Florida has the fourth-largest homeless population in the United States at 28,498:
- 13,647 were unsheltered
- 14,851 were sheltered
How can a homeless person get help at One Hopeful Place?
Call us for help: 850-586-7879
We provide care for those experiencing homelessness in Okaloosa and Walton Counties with these services:
- Day Program
- Health Screenings
- Car Park for individuals who live in their vehicles and need a safe place to park at night
- Cold Weather Shelter for extreme temps
- Transportation Services for appointments
- Men’s Shelter
- Women’s Shelter
Florida Homelessness Statistics
Total Homeless Population: 27,487
Total Family Households: 2,294
Veterans: 2,436
Unaccompanied Young Adults (Aged 18-24): 1,331
Persons Experiencing Chronic Homelessness: 5,182
When most people think of the homeless, a middle-aged man comes to mind. That’s not always the case. According to the 2022 Okaloosa County Community Health Report, homelessness can happen to anyone in varying stages of life.
- Males 62%
- Children 19%
- Mentally Ill 13%
- Veterans 10%
- Domestic Violence Survivors 6%
Additional Resources for Help
Our Partners also provide aid to the homeless from medical care to mini free food pantries in neighborhoods.
Behavioral Wellness Clinic
Bridgeway Center’s Behavioral Wellness Clinic offers outpatient psychiatric assessments, medication monitoring, and shot clinic services to the indigent as well as insured individuals.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, call: 850-833-7500
United Way Emerald Coast Connects People and Resources
We know that anyone can fall on hard times. That’s why we partner with local organizations so you can confidentially connect to community resources.
United Way Emerald Coast has information on additional help such as Panhandle 211, Florida Veterans Support Line, and SingleCare.
Make A Real Change In Someone’s Life
Imagine having no place to sleep tonight. As constant dangers threaten, you feel scared, demoralized, and alienated.
One donation can save someone from homelessness by providing safe shelter, meals, and housing support. Even more, you can give them hope for better things ahead. For every person we reach many more need our help.
