ORLANDO, Fla.,None — The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida has taken its first major step toward a new center just for men.
As WFTV's Tim Barber reports, the facility's groundbreaking comes as the state threatens to cut funding for other homeless organizations.
Not too long ago, the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida was Rod Oliver's home.
It was a good place to live, but he says the new men's service center will be even better.
"I am stoked. This is going to be so good for the guys here," Oliver said.
The coalition is planning for the new 33,000-square-foot building to expand on its jobs program that helped Oliver.
"This will give them the motivation to get themselves up get on their feet, that's all they need," Oliver said.
The staff will also help the men get an education and social skills.
The historic groundbreaking also comes at a time when other homeless organizations are facing big cuts.
A Florida House bill slashes more than $2 million, which pays for data collection on homeless populations and help for grant applications.
But right now, none of that money will affect this organization or the new center.
Instead of thin mattresses, most of the men in the new center will get new comfortable beds.
Up to 250 men will also get case workers who will help keep men like Oliver on track to getting them off the street and on their feet.
"If you don't believe in miracles, miracles are true. This is a miracle," Oliver said.
The county donated $5 million to build the new center and the city added another $1.6 million.
The facility is expected to open next year.
WFTV
