Orlando to use $58M in federal funds to help support homeless services

ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando is making the fight against homelessness a big priority this year.

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Orlando leaders are using $58 million in federal funds to address the problem.

The Orlando City Council already approved converting the old Ambassador Hotel into new affordable units.

Officials said there are more projects are in the pipeline for 2023.

Watch: Thousands of students homeless across Central Florida, new numbers show

Luis Gonzales said he ended up homeless in June, but he doesn’t see himself in this situation for long.

Gonzalez said he is working with a case worker to overcome housing challenges, and the biggest thing he does is keep his depression and bipolar disorders in check.

“Keep me motivated. Keep me from sinking into that black hole of depression,” Gonzalez said.

Watch: Community searches for solutions to homelessness in Orange County

Several projects will be heading to the Orlando City Council for approval this year to try and help people like Gonzalez.

The projects will help provide access to showers, laundry and mail facilities.

The goal is to help draw people in and then connect them to the services they need.

Read: US homeless numbers stay about the same as before pandemic

The plan is to support the nonprofits who already do this work. Places like the Christian Services Center and Aspire will use this funding to expand their facilities in order to accommodate increased need.

City leaders said a study shows 64% of people who used these day services then took the next step towards ending homelessness.

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