Local

Homeless facility loses heat as temperatures drop

ORLANDO, Fla. — Cooler weather is causing a problem for the Coalition for the Homeless in downtown Orlando.

The heater at the facility on West Central Boulevard broke for the second time this year Monday.

The Coalition has been working to get their new two-story men's center open and administrators said the heat malfunction is further proof they need the new facility.

The new building won't be open until next summer and the cool temperatures have many worried about trying to stay warm.

"I go in and make my bed up and lay down and I have two sheets and I sleep with my hoodie and everything," said John Dennis.

Even though temperatures aren't at their lowest, Angel Rico said he'll still have to use a garbage bag to stay warm.

"What you do is just cut it here, wrap it, because it's warm, (it) gives you heat," said Rico.

Some at the Coalition are concerned there may not be enough blankets to go around on a night when most will need one.

"It's more people showing up now than what it used to be," said Dennis.

Administrators at the Coalition used Facebook to ask for donations.

The Coalition did receive some donated blankets Monday night, something administrators said they'll need with temperatures expected to dip into the 40s later this week.

The facility hosts an average of 750 people a night.