OPPORTUNITY PLACE INCORPORATED
Opportunity Place is both old and new. They opened their doors in 2009 under the umbrella of Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care/Opportunity, Inc. and earlier this year, became its own non-profit corporation, OPPORTUNITY PLACE, INC. Throughout this time, their mission has remained the same – to help women and families in Okaloosa and neighboring counties, who are homeless, or at considerable risk of homelessness – often times at no fault of their own.
The Shelter is located at 305 Lovejoy Road in Fort Walton. Single women are able to stay 45 days and families up to 90 days. During their time at OPPORTUNITY PLACE, INC. residents receive housing, nutritious meals, assistance with budgeting, securing sustainable employment, permanent housing and childcare, are connected to community resources, and much more.
The Board of Directors, staff and volunteers are committed to helping women and families achieve independence and self-sufficiency because they believe every woman, child and family has the innate right to be safe and an opportunity to succeed in life.
Debra McDaniel, the new Executive Director for OPPORTUNITY PLACE, INC. feels passionately about the mission of the organizations and finds great joy each time another resident succeeds. “But it is not easy,” she noted. “Without community resources, the Shelter would not be able to keep its doors open. Financial contributions are critical to keeping the lights on. Donations of shelter supplies, personal hygiene products and our Meal Donor Program keep our cost down. Volunteers provide the personal, human touch so needed at a Shelter.”
If you are interested in supporting OPPORTUNITY PLACE, INC., volunteering or know of a woman or family from Okaloosa or neighboring counties in need of assistance please call the Shelter (850) 659-3190 or visit the OPI website or Facebook. www.opifwb.org
