Fresh Start for Families

At Fresh Start, our primary focus is to help families achieve long-term self-sufficiency through a tailored residential and educational program. Our mission is to share love and compassion by providing comprehensive educational, vocational, and economic housing programs designed to empower homeless families to build a better future.

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

About our program:

Transitional Housing

Our Transitional Housing Program is a one-year educational program that includes housing. We have ten (10) two and three bedroom units available in the program. To qualify, residents must be:

• A family (one or more adults with custody of children)
• Background clear of violence or sexual crimes
• Resident of Okaloosa County for 6 or more months
• Drug and alcohol free (tested randomly)
• Employed 4-6 weeks upon entry
• Able to pay monthly utilities for their apartment
• Able to fulfill these weekly commitments:
  • Wednesday night group classes (1 hour)
  • Investment to the family savings plan (10% of household income) and program fees (20% of income)
  • Weekly appointments with life skills & education staff, to work on individual (family) development plans, and the goals established therein

Affordable Housing

Our Affordable Housing Program is a one-year “Step-up” housing program. The program is geared towards graduates of our transitional housing program who are ready to be self-sufficient, but may require reduced rent while they recover and build their financial and rental credit history. We have ten (10) two and three bedroom units available in this program. The only requirement for this program is to pay your rent each month on time! Renters in this program are still able to access to the “perks” they received in our Transitional Housing Program (staff assistance, referrals, classes, food pantry, tutors, etc.,) but they no longer have the rules from the transitional program (curfews, no visitors, etc.). This year gives them time to build a rental history with us, while they continue to improve credit score, save money, etc.

To apply, visit Apply Now | Fresh Start for Children & Families