ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s hard to miss the tents and homeless camps as you drive across Central Florida.
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People tell Channel 9 the problem is becoming more visible and aggressive.
Residents of one neighborhood said they couldn’t use bus stops because of the nearby homeless camps.
Neighbors said the situation is getting more concerning. They say larger groups of people without homes are moving closer to neighborhoods and taking over streets. Residents said they want a more consistent solution.
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Roselyn Clouden said the homeless population has visibly taken over her Pine Hills neighborhood.
This pattern is being replicated across Orange County and downtown Orlando.
Sandra Fatmi is part of the Pine Hills Community Council. She said the sheriff’s office has helped remove some people and connect them with help, but Fatmi said the issue is moving closer to people’s lives, especially with the state of the economy.
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In March 2022, the Homeless Services Network counted over 1,500 people without homes in Orange County, over 330 in Osceola County and 280 in Seminole County. The total is up 7% from 2020.
“There are some that really just want to be out here because they feel free,” said Fatmi.
There are three shelters in Orange County and 1,149 beds available, but the majority of those beds are reserved for COVID-19 hotel rooms vouchers that will expire soon.
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This could possibly send more people into the streets.
Orange County received more than $8 million to address homeless youth. The Homeless Services Network said it will know how it will use that money by April or June 2023.
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