Family Housing Resource Center

08/28/2026

I asked ChatGPT to reimagine the property at 6768 Elva Street where we want to grow our resource center into a real, down-to-earth community center. A little paint, a little tree trimming, a few new doors and windows and... voila! We will be ready to hold our first financial literacy class, plant the community garden, and get our bike clinic in gear.

It should be a breeze to get this project approved by the City. The zoning is perfect for this use, and Lord knows the community needs it!

08/27/2026

It's under contract! This is the property we hope to move our little resource center to, turning it into a full-fledged community center. No, we won't have pickle ball or knitting clubs. What we will have is a place where we can fuflfill our mission to "to strengthen individuals, families, and our community by providing a welcoming place to connect, learn, grow, and access the resources and opportunities needed to build stable, independent lives.” We will not be a homeless shelter. But we do hope the city will let us re-open the cold-weather shelter at this location, which is about 20 nights each winter. If not, we will be the only county in the Florida Panhandle without one.

We can't wait to get started on renovating this beautiful piece of Milton history. We have a long history ourselves in Milton, serving the public since 2004 at our Alice Street location. This will be an exciting journey!

08/04/2026

The heat index has been over 100°, with little relief in sight. For our neighbors experiencing homelessness, there is no air conditioning to escape to.

In one day last week, we gave out a record 6 gallons of ice cold water, one cup at a time. Today, we will start distributing cooling sleeves and personal clip-on fans (yes, they actually work!) These may seem like small things, but they can help prevent heat-related illness and remind someone that they are seen, valued, and loved.

Compassion isn't just a feeling—it's action. Thank you to everyone who helps us share God's love in practical ways. ❤️

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04/20/2026

Think it is easier to be homeless in the summer than in winter? Think again. In winter, a homeless person is at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and even of freezing to death. In summer, a homeless person is at risk of heatstroke, sunburn, and dehydration. Imagine having to choose between covering up with a blanket when you are already too hot, or staying uncovered and being eaten alive by mosquitoes. As if all that isn't enough, the homeless are at increased risk of physical violence in the summer. Let's face it - summer for the homeless is no picnic!

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04/09/2026

The washer and dryers we purchased have been a huge hit. We now have several people doing their laundry here regularly. Some folks take advantage of a hot shower while they are waiting. Others spend the time applying for SNAP, disability, and other benefits. Now that's what I call multitasking!

Do you know someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless? Maybe we can help them too. Tell them to give us a call.

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02/07/2026

If you are looking for a below-market-rate rental in Santa Rosa or Escambia County, here is a link to a list of both private and public options: https://www.cityofpensacola.com/DocumentCenter/View/3878/Subsidized-Housing-List-PDF?bidId= It may not be complete, but it is a start.

01/25/2026

My Amazon order of hand warmers arrived today, and the box was so big I had to get help to bring it in. These hand warmers work to keep hands and feet warm, but they also can be stuck inside a sock and put in the arm pits to keep the whole body warm. They can burn skin if placed directly on the body. I took 100 of these to distribute to anyone who looked like they were even thinking about sleeping outside tonight. Looks like I will be doing that every day this week. To anyone reading this, if you know of someone sleeping unsheltered in Santa Rosa County, the Sheriff's Office will take them to the Ferris Hill cold weather shelter in Milton rather than risk someone freezing to death. The shelter will accept people brought in by law enforcement all night long.

01/18/2026

WARNING!!! BEWARE of "treatment referral scams"! This type of scam involves unethical recruiters paid by fraudulent rehabs to locate patients. Red flags are offers of free travel or insurance coverage to lure vulnerable people, especially for addiction treatment. Legitimate treatment facilities make direct contact with potential patients, and they provide credentials.

No "middle man" is required. Direct access to mental health and addiction treatment referrals is available to anyone. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Toll-free phone number: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Online:

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

01/08/2026

Who has the best neighbors ever? That would be Family Housing. Our neighbor and her sister baked these cookies and were kind enough to think of us. God love 'em (the sisters and the cookies both:)

01/08/2026

Slow day at the food pantry across the street - probably the weather to blame. This is the first time we have used our new table cover and Got SNAP? feather sign. Lots of folks will be needing help re-signing up for SNAP, and it can be very difficult to do on a cell phone. It's even more difficult if you don't have a cell phone. We are here to help, and there is never a charge for our services.