About FWBHA
Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority (FWBHA), established in 1968, provides affordable housing and housing assistance programs for low-income families in the Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County area. In addition to managing 124 public housing units, FWBHA also has the capacity to assist 844 families with rental assistance via the Housing Choice Voucher program (when full funding is appropriated by Congress). Programs operated by the Housing Authority include market-based rental, and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers. FWBHA also owns two affordable housing properties offering market-based rent; Sound Side Apartments, which consists of 200 units and Church Street Apartments, which consists of 12 units.
Executive Director
Thank you for visiting Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority’s website. Our mission : Develop Quality, Affordable, Safe & Sanitary Housing Opportunities for individuals & families. Serving over 1,200 clients, we strive to enhance the lives of each resident to promote independence long term.
This site has been created to provide useful information to our residents, current and potential landlords, vendors/contractors and the public in general. All site visitors have access to details about the various programs and services we provide. The content will be updated frequently, so please visit often.
Mrs. Sansbury’s primary responsibilities include developing and implementing high-level strategies, making major organizational decisions, managing the overall operations and resources of the organization, and acting as the main point of communication between the Board of Commissioners and the FWBHA staff. Mrs. Sansbury handles the daily operations to include the oversight of the following departments:
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Department (formerly known as Section 8)
- Multifamily Housing Department
- Maintenance Department
- Resident Services Department
- Human Resources Department
- Accounting Department
- Procurement and Compliance Department
- Florida Public Housing Authority Self Insurance Fund (FPHASIF)
- Florida Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (FAHRO)
- National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)
- Southeastern Regional Council (SERC-NAHRO)
All of my work outside of managing Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority, whether locally, regionally & nationally benefits our Residents. My goal for the Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority is to create more affordable housing in Fort Walton Beach to accommodate all the families who need assistance in bettering their lives. Through community partnerships and strategic planning, we assist Fort Walton Beach city government in making Fort Walton Beach one of the best towns in Florida to live.
Staff Directory
Board of Commissioners
Community Partners
Community Partnerships allow us to provide supportive services to our residents as well as further development of affordable housing. Our residents may require assistance in areas other than housing; Community Partnerships allow us to address those needs and move our residents toward self-sufficiency.
Public Records Request
To submit a request for Public Records, please visit our Contact Page and submit your request in the Questions or Comments box.Special District Information
- Registered Agent's Name: Ms. Gail Sansbury
- Registered Office Address:
27 Robinwood Drive, Southwest
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 - Telephone: 850-243-3224
- Fax: 850-244-6533
- Website: FWBHA.com
- Active or Inactive: Active
- Status: Dependent
- Local Governing Authority: City of Fort Walton
- Function(s): Housing Authority
- Date Created/Established: February 27, 1968
- Creation Documents:
Section 421.04, Florida Statutes: Need declared by City of Fort Walton Beach Resolution 68-9 - Statutory Authority: Chapter 421, Part 1, Florida Statutes
- Governing Body: Board of Commissioners appointed by City of Fort Walton Beach
- Authority to Issue Bonds: Yes
- Revenue Source: Federal (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
Eleanor J. Johnson Youth Center
The Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority sponsors the Eleanor Johnson Youth Center, an educational, recreational and social facility for youth ages 6 and up. It's a place where youths are empowered and allowed to grow in all aspects of their lives.
The EJJYC started as a partnership between youth and adults and the doors opened in 2000. The EJJYC was the culmination of years of planning by youth, city officials, other youth organizations and adult advocates.
- Dance Team
- Dance Team B
- Lego Block Program
- Food Programs
The EJJYC has been and will continue to be a "safe haven" for all when needed. It is the goal of EJJYC to provide a place where youths can build lasting, positive changes in their lives. EJJYC accomplishes this by seeking resources, collaborations, and opportunities that help youths to realize their full potential, sharpen skills, and enable them to become vital, responsible and contributing members of society.
