Several members of my congregation and I just toured the FKOC facilities this past Sunday. We are all most impressed by the professionalism we saw, as well as the results which were reported of people no longer homeless. I will participate in the success of this organization, and I know several others from Unity of the Keys will also. Rev. Phillip Smedstad
Thanks to the excellent work of The Florida Keys Outreach Coalition many former homeless individuals have been reintegrated into the community work force or were able to make their way out of the Keys into places less expensive and with more affordable housing and a wider range of job opportunities. Through Rev. Braddock's vision "Keys for Housing the Homeless" (a 10-Year plan to end chronic homelessness in Monroe County) this model human service organization has offered support, solutions and hope for many to cycle out of homelessness.
Another initiative by FKOC that has touched me deeply, is the yearly "Homeless Person's Memorial Day Celebration" a gathering of the community with reflective music and the reading of the names of the homeless individuals that died alone and uncared for on the streets of what we call "Paradise".
In the spirit of 'One Human Family' (Monroe County official motto) I thank FKOC and Father Braddock of your ceaseless effort to help and care for the weakest and the most in need.
Erika Biddle, Key West
FkOC believed in me at a time when I could not believe in myself. Tired, hungry, drunk all the time, on and off the streets, living on couches or worse...they opened their doors and taught me how to live again. I could never be more garteful for any one single organization/person than I am for FKOC and the opportunities they provided me. I am alive (and loving it) again!