FORT WALTON BEACH — Since its call for financial help in December, OASIS has seen an outpouring of support from the community.
“It was really nice for people to step up and recognize the importance of what we do,” said Butch McKay, the organization's executive director.
Founded in 1991, Okaloosa AIDS Support & Informational Services assists people living with HIV and AIDS. It also raises awareness of the disease and promotes prevention.
The organization announced last Christmas Eve that it was in danger of closing because of cuts in government funding. Within two months about $60,000 had come in, including a donation from Seattle, McKay said.
One anonymous donation made it possible for OASIS to move to a new home at 1825 Hurlburt Road, McKay said. With donations of furnishings, the new location looks “Hollywood,” McKay said.
“I’m almost afraid people think we’re really well off,” he joked.
OASIS has more than 200 clients. It is forecast to provide more than 900 free HIV tests this year.
Although the organization is “in the black,” that could change, McKay said.
Funding from state and federal sources continues to lag as funding focuses more on larger metropolitan areas, he said. Donations from many companies have decreased or ceased.
“That’s the nature of the world we live in when it comes to social services,” McKay said. “We’re not in a very friendly time when it comes to charity.
“Fortunately, the community has charity in their hearts.”