Artist's look to draw support for homeless shelter

Controversy over the homeless shelter in Fort Walton Beach caught the attention of local artist Misti Schneidewind and her husband, Charles.

After reading the sentiments of residents in the Sylvania Heights neighborhood and that of a pastor, Schneidewind felt she needed to make people aware that not everyone felt the shelter would be a detriment to the area.

Reading about the concerns of the shelter, Misti shared her frustration with her husband, and asked him what he thought they could do to show their support.

Enlisting the help of seven other artists they decided to host a charity event at Artists at Gulf Place.

"When I read comments saying the shelter would bring degenerates to the neighborhood," Schneidewind said. "I knew I had to do something to show support."

On Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. the Schneidewind's will have a large truck at Artist's at Gulf Place to collect items for the shelter.

"We have reserved a large U-haul," she said. "Our hope is to fill it with most of the items the shelter has stated they need."

With the shelter providing temporary housing, job training and help with job placement, the list of items needed is extensive, from basic toiletry items to clothing to window treatments and old cell phones.

"For the ones (people) finding a job they will need nice clothes and a cell phone," she said. "It would be wonderful to see most of the community come out for this."

Misti and her family aren't new to charitable work. Once a week Misti and her two children, ages 11 and eight, help deliver 700 meals to the needy, elderly and the homeless in Okaloosa County. She and her husband recently auctioned a piece of their art to raise money for medical care in Haiti.

"This truly was an outrage," Schneidewind said. "Where is the spirit of true compassion? I believe we are commissioned to take care of the homeless and I want to help in any way I can."

"The shelter is providing a needed service," she said. "Everywhere you look these days more and more people are losing their jobs and their homes. The community should come together to help their neighbors."

For Schneidewind and friends at Gulf Place this is more than a "stock the shelter party."

Along with the collection of items, there will be food, wine and sodas. Zack Rosicka will provide musical entertainment and there will be a kid's booth.

"We (the Schneidewind's) are going to show people how to make their own art," she said. "The children will be able to make bracelets and chains from recycled soda can tabs."'

Although this is a charity event, Schneidewind, believes this will be a good learning experience for her children as well.

"My kids love the work we do (charity) and always help," she said. "This is setting a great example for them. They love helping deliver meals every week and I want them to understand that others in the community, and abroad, deserve help when we are so blessed."

For more information call the Artists at Gulf Place (850) 622-0400.