Opening Doors Northwest Florida Inc

The organization provides direct assistance to individuals and families, youth, and those suffering life's challenges. Among the direct services are: mortgage, rental, and utility assistance; temporary housing; fuel vouchers; prescription medication; emergency food assistance; hotel vouchers; employment screening; pre-employment physicals; assistance in obtaining vital records such as birth certificates and social security cards; marriage licenses; state identification cards and drivers licenses; transportation services both in town and long distance. Additionally, the organization partners with escambia county schools district to assist school age children from families who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to remain in their school of origin.

The organization applies for, receives, allocates, monitors, and serves as the lead agency for the state funded challenge and emergency solutions grant (esg). Both grants are awarded to the organization and are pass- through funds. The challenge grant is authorized by section 420.622(4), florida statutes, to provide grant funding to lead agencies for homeless assistance. The challenge grants are used to assist a variety of persons and families with varing needs. The esg grant provides outreach, rapid rehousing, homeless prevention, and emergency shelter. The organization works with community providers to execute both grants. The overall goal of the grants is to provide a pathway for partnerships between local agencies striving to reduce homelessness in escambia and santa rosa counties.