Homeless veteran says 'I'm Jesus Fine'

Homeless man: 'I'm Jesus Fine' (SOUNDSLIDE)

September 04, 2011 5:38 PM
FORT WALTON BEACH — Bill Parker remembers standing in front of the Waterfront Rescue Mission with nothing but his clothes in hand and his daughter by his side.

He pointed to the ground and told her that that was their home. Parker said she looked into his eyes with a warm smile and said, “I don’t care, Dad, as long as I’m with you,”

Little did Parker and his 11-year-old daughter LeighAnn Carper know that only hours later they would be setting up home at Opportunity Place across town.

Opportunity Place, which opened in July 2009, houses homeless women and families who are seeking future housing and stability. They get help through outreach programs such as personal finance and parenting classes and support groups. They also are referred to other agencies for various needs.

“Whatever it takes to help them reach their stability, I should be able to find that resource that can help make it happen,” said C.C. Fearson, director of Opportunity Place.

One of those resources is a newer program that has been in place in Okaloosa County for the past year. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, or HVRP, provides veterans with job training and helps them find employment.

“The goal of the HVRP program is to get our people back into employment,” said Stephanie Duenas, the HVRP program director at Opportunity Place. “They are not disqualified by their barriers.”

From jail to ministry
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