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Local nonprofit works to help prevent homelessness for teenagers, young adults

ORLANDO, Fla. — A local organization is starting a new initiative to prevent homelessness in Central Florida.

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The Homeless Services Network created the “Brighter Days Community Initiative” for teenagers and young adults.

It will provide stable housing and support services like education, job training and healthcare.

Read: Homeless men sue Seminole County, call anti-panhandling law unconstitutional

Officials said the initiative will keep 16 to 24-year-olds off the streets for over a year.

“This new initiative would’ve helped me greatly. It would’ve helped me not have to live in my car for six years because I would have had a youth navigator as soon as I called the phone,” said Elisa Cabrera.

Read: ‘It’s tragic’: Central Florida’s unsheltered population has more than doubled, survey finds

The organization says that there are a combined 16,000 homeless students in Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties.

However, currently, the network only has housing available for 250 teens and young adults.

Watch: Fire at homeless shelter displaces more than 230 men

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