Orlando City Soccer Club stadium money redirected to help Osceola Co. homeless

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The struggle to end homelessness in Osceola County will get an unexpected boost over the next 10 years from the Orlando City Soccer Club's decision to privately fund construction of its new stadium.

Commissioners agreed with a recommendation Monday night from county manager Don Fisher to redirect $1 million previously earmarked for the city of Orlando for the new stadium to homeless initiatives in the county.

Osceola County's homeless population is in desperate need of housing and resources to break the cycle, officials said.

"It's fantastic that we are able to take the stadium money and use it for something that will provide meaningful assistance to our most vulnerable citizens," said Central Florida Commission on homelessness representative Michael Harford.

Osceola County officials said they are working on the budget for the next fiscal year, so the decision was well-timed.

"We'd like to thank Orlando and Orlando City Soccer Club for immediately reaching out to us when they decided that they no longer needed the funding, and releasing us from our commitment," said Commissioner Fred Hawkins, Jr. "Phil Rawlins and the Orlando City Soccer Club ownership group understand the importance of regionalism. They have been a tremendous partner to us, and we look forward to a continuing relationship with this quality organization."

WFTV