DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona Beach fire crews and local organizations are taking their fight against addiction and mental health challenges to the streets with a community “Streetwalk.”
The event was originally scheduled for Thursday but due to rain, the walk was rescheduled for Oct. 9. Teams will walk along Ridgewood Avenue on both north and south routes before returning to a resource fair. The fair will provide connections to healthcare, housing, and recovery programs.
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Organizers say the goal is to meet people where they are, particularly in neighborhoods struggling most with substance use and mental health barriers.
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“This program really gets out into the community and promotes community wellness,” said Travis Anderson of the Daytona Beach Fire Department. “It allows us as first responders to get to know the community, the socioeconomics, the demographics, and the organizations that are here so we can help spread the word.”
One of the participating groups is Renew Recovery Café, a peer support center that works with people living with addiction and mental health issues.
“The people who live here, many are homeless, many live with substance use disorder, and many face mental health barriers,” said Linda Camp-Baird, director of Renew Recovery Café. “We are here to meet them where they are and to show them that they are not alone. That’s our goal.”
Organizers also stress that reducing stigma is part of the mission, emphasizing one-on-one conversations as a way to build trust and long-term change.