Community organizations across Santa Rosa and Escambia counties have a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on homelessness in Northwest Florida. Opening Doors Northwest Florida, the region’s lead Continuum of Care (CoC) agency, is actively recruiting dedicated community partners to join their Leadership Council—a vital body that shapes the future of housing services and homelessness prevention in our area.
What Makes This Opportunity Special?
The Leadership Council isn’t just another committee. It’s the driving force behind coordinated strategies that prevent homelessness, support individuals in crisis, and enhance the effectiveness of community-wide responses. Operating under federal guidelines established in 24 CFR Part 578, council members work alongside diverse community leaders from local government, nonprofits, and various partner organizations to develop and oversee critical funding strategies.
Real Impact, Real Responsibilities
Council members take on meaningful responsibilities that directly affect lives in our community. They guide crucial decision-making processes around funding allocation, planning, and service delivery while supporting the development of policies designed to prevent and reduce homelessness. Additionally, members ensure compliance with federal regulations, oversee the performance of funded programs, and advocate for sustainable, long-term solutions within the community.
Who Should Apply?
Opening Doors Northwest Florida encourages applications from a broad spectrum of organizations, particularly those with expertise in homelessness prevention, housing services, mental health, substance use treatment, veteran services, education, victim services, and workforce development. Importantly, they especially welcome individuals with lived experience of homelessness, recognizing the invaluable perspective they bring to the council.
Available Positions
The organization is seeking representatives for nine specific seats: Affordable Housing Developer or Provider, Homeless Service Provider, Healthcare System Provider, Law Enforcement, Organizations serving people with disabilities, Workforce Development, Faith-based Community Representative, General Seat, and Person with lived experience of homelessness.
How to Get Involved
Applications are due Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 8 PM CDT. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the solution. Complete details about roles, responsibilities, and the application process are available at https://openingdoorsnwfl.org/getinvolved/coc-leadership-council.
Have questions about the application process or council expectations? The team at Opening Doors Northwest Florida is ready to help. Contact them directly at info@openingdoorsnwfl.org for more information.
Together, we can build a brighter future for Northwest Florida—one where everyone has access to safe, stable housing.
