By Sherry Jones
Homelessness. It’s a word we often hear, a situation we see, but one that too many of us avoid truly talking about. For some, it feels distant—an issue for “other people.” But what happens when homelessness isn’t just a statistic, but a reality that hits someone you know, someone you love?
For me, it was personal.
I grew up in Fort Walton Beach, a place filled with fond memories and a deep sense of community. It’s the same community where someone near and dear to my heart also grew up. He was someone who gave his life to caring for others—particularly his mother, whom he loved dearly and supported for as long as he could remember. But when she passed away, everything changed.
Grief is a difficult road to walk, and, for him, it brought more than just emotional struggles. A tragedy occurred—a life-altering event that became the start of a downward spiral. When life hits you with an unexpected boulder, sometimes you don’t see it coming. Sometimes, it rolls downhill, taking everything with it—mental and emotional well-being, finances, and stability. And despite his best efforts, he found himself in a place no one ever imagines: homeless.
I wish I could say this story is uncommon. But the truth is, it’s not. For so many of us, there’s someone—a family member, a friend, a neighbor—who has struggled with homelessness. It’s not just a distant issue. It’s real, it’s painful, and it’s closer than we like to admit.
Last year, during the holiday season, my loved one’s story became a testament to the power of hope and perseverance. At his lowest point, he was referred to One Hopeful Place (OHP) by a family member: me.
At OHP, he found more than just shelter. He found a team of compassionate, dedicated individuals who gave him the support he needed to start over. Among them was Mike, whose kindness and encouragement made an immediate and lasting impact.
“I’ll never forget the day I arrived at OHP,” he shared with me. “It was cold and rainy, and Mike welcomed me with warmth and kindness. He talked with me about housing resources and what OHP could offer to help me rebuild my life. Over the next eight months, Mike continued to be a positive force—not just for me, but for so many others who entered OHP. That support meant everything.”
This guidance, combined with the extraordinary leadership of Donna and Liz—who many refer to as the “Mother Teresas” of OHP—gave him the foundation he needed to rebuild his life. He committed to saving money, accessing critical resources and working through the struggles he faced.
OHP, under the umbrella of Community Solutions of the Emerald Coast, helps participants who are committed to changing their lives and becoming self-sufficient. With the help of grant money, OHP assists participants and veterans in obtaining permanent housing by covering deposits and providing essential items they need to rebuild their lives.
The holidays were a time of reflection and motivation for him. Surrounded by the generosity of the OHP community and their holiday efforts, he found a renewed sense of purpose. By the end of the year, his hard work paid off—he was approved for his own apartment, a place to finally call home.
Now, as the new year begins, his success story is a reminder of what’s possible when compassion meets action. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone—regardless of their background or circumstances. But with support, hope and determination, a brighter future is always within reach.
To OHP, thank you for being the light in so many people’s darkest days. Your unwavering commitment to those in need continues to change lives every day.
To my loved one, I am so proud of your courage, your resilience and your determination to create a better future for yourself. Your story inspires us all to never give up, no matter how difficult the journey might seem.
As we move forward into this new year, let us carry the lessons of the holiday season with us. Compassion, kindness and belief in others have the power to change lives. Together, we can build a community that lifts each other up and provides the tools for success.
Hope changes lives. I know this firsthand.
