Since 2011, the Matrix COC (Community Outreach Center) a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to improving the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the men, women and children within Walton County. The Matrix has been able to provide individuals and families throughout this community with resources such as bill and utility assistance, employment resources, and food services, including the more recent mass feedings. They customize efforts to meet the needs of those being serviced through a “Hand Up not a Handout” approach. Matrix works with community partners, such as Florida Department of Children and Families, to identify and assist clients in creating more productive lives.

The impact from COVID-19 has reached every corner of our community. This virus has crippled individuals from all backgrounds and sees no boundaries. Since the onset of the crisis, the Matrix has seen huge rise in demand. The organization is remaining true to its mission, while expanding their resources and reach to help those affected. In the last month, they have served over 2,900 families and have distributed over 120,000 pounds of food within Walton County. With the help of their dedicated volunteers and community partners, they have successfully conducted drive-through mass feeding distribution sites and replenished food banks to ensure stability in these uncertain times. In addition to COVID-19, Matrix is also actively responding to the Santa Rosa Beach fire by playing a main role in feeding and resourcing displaced families.

Walton County Emergency Management Director, Jeff Goldberg, is an avid supporter of Matrix COC. Matrix serves as the Human Services Branch of Walton County Emergency Management during times of disaster. In this function, they oversee the Mass Care Unit, Business and Industry Unit, and Volunteers and Donations Unit. Mr. Goldberg states, “The reason for providing financial support for the Matrix is simple, it is a much-needed expansion of what this organization currently does and an invaluable partner to my organization.”

In addition to the residents they have been able to serve, the Matrix COC is blessed to help serve and support other charities and agencies within the area including Destin Harvest, Walton County School District, Catholic Charities, the Homeless Housing Alliance, Caring and Sharing of South Walton, and the City of DeFuniak Springs, just to name a few. These partnerships were created to ensure all demographics would be served and donated funds could be distributed throughout the community.

This week, the devastation of the fire in Santa Rosa Beach compounded the needs of an already afflicted Walton County reeling from the impacts of COVID-19. These crises may have shaken our world, but they have not broken the bond of Walton County. Like the individuals they serve, Matrix COC has felt the impact of COVID-19. Their main source of revenue, their thrift store called The Redemption Boutique, has temporarily closed and they are left depending on donations to continue their efforts through this pandemic and beyond.

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN! Howard Group has chosen to support the Matrix COC in an effort to help our neighbors during the COVID-19 crisis, and we hope you will too. If you are able, please click here to go to the Matrix COC website and make a donation. Any amount will help and make a difference in these difficult times. Also, please help us spread the word by sharing this message with others.

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