Fresh Start
About UsAt 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.
Programs
Transitional Housing (1 Year)
Fresh Start operates three major programs: two are housing and education programs for homeless families; the third is open to the public, and is our primary funding source for the housing and education programs. The three Fresh Start programs are: Transitional Housing, Affordable (Step-up) Housing, and Repeat Street Thrift Store.
- A family (one or more adults with custody of children)
- Drug and alcohol free (tested upon entry and randomly)
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:
- Employed 4-6 weeks upon entry.
- Able to pay monthly utilities for their apartment
The program requires residents to participate in three mandatory weekly activities to facilitate financial independence:
- Wednesday night group classes (1 hour)
- Investment to the family savings plan (10% of houshould 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
What Drives Us
Our Mission
At Fresh Start, our mission is to empower homeless families to achieve long-term self-sufficiency. Through our comprehensive residential, educational, vocational, and economic housing programs, we share love and compassion while providing the tools and support needed to build brighter futures.
Fresh Start’s
Staff Members
Donna Tashik
Executive Director
850.243.5648 Ext 204
Sharron Stephens
Director of Campus Affairs
850.243.5648 Ext 203
Brittany Curry
Life Skill Program Manager
850.243.5648 Ext 202
Dallas Pope
Repeat Street Manager
850.200.406
Mike Barnes
Repeat Street Donations
Chris Slaughter
Repeat Street Truck Crew
Fresh Start’s
Board of Directors
Tammy Magee
President
Ed Burns
Immediate Past President
Gene Barker
Treasurer
Tracy McCreary
Secretary
Michael Cheney
Director
Chris Parker
Director
Scott Beavers
Director
Julie Green
Director
Jennifer McDaniel
Director
Rev. Jim Krug
Director
Jeff Hooton
Director
June Scroggin
Director
Karen Reid
Director
Ashley Brown
Director
Chief Deputy Ken Lapee
Director
Carole Byrd
Director
LXS Fregger
Director
Jennifer Hannigan
Director
One Year
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.
Since 1986
Serving the Homeless Population
Fresh Start is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to serving the homeless population for over 30 years. Founded in 1986 by local clergy, lay people, and concerned citizens as the Okaloosa Coalition on the Homeless, our organization originally operated entirely with volunteer support. In 1998, we partnered with United Way, which enabled us to expand our services with paid staff and enhanced operations. In 2005, we rebranded as FRESH Start for Children and Families—FRESH standing for Freedom, Respect, Education, Safety, and Hope—to better reflect our focus on supporting families.
Today, Fresh Start operates three major programs: Transitional Housing, Affordable (Step-up) Housing, and the Repeat Street Thrift Store, which is our primary funding source. Through these initiatives, we provide housing and educational opportunities that empower homeless families to achieve lasting self-sufficiency and build brighter futures.
Our Store
At Repeat Street, discover gently used household items curated for quality and affordability. Each piece is carefully selected to add charm and functionality to your home.
Donations & Volunteers
We welcome donations and applaud our volunteers. Their support is essential to our mission and drives positive change.
$250 Club
Join the $250 Club and become a sponsor for our cause. Discover how your contribution can drive meaningful change and support our community initiatives.