Orlando leaders look to use federal funds to increase homeless services

ORLANDO, Fla. — Homeless advocates say as more and more people deal with rising prices, demand for services and shelter has skyrocketed.

That has led many more people to turn to organizations like the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida for help.

Coalition president Allison Krall said a lack of affordable housing is a significant factor in the rise in the number of homeless in Central Florida.

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“We are 39% higher in people reaching out to us with concerns about how they’re going to pay their rent, and concerns about evictions year on year,” Krall said.

She says the coalition houses close to 500 people at any given time but its mission is not just about giving residents a place to stay.

“You need to be able to get people out of homelessness as quickly as possible,” Krall said.

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Leonard Brooks says after losing his job at the beginning of the pandemic and bills piling up, he could no longer pay his rent.

“I was paying $1500 a month and I had gotten way behind,” Brooks said.

He took to sleeping under an overpass near a bus station before finding help.

“In the blink of an eye it can just happen,” Brooks said.

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Brooks said he works with a case manager when he’s not at his day job and the help he receives helps him save money.

“I’ve done my laundry here. No need for the shower facilities, but you know that helps me save up money,” he said.

Every year the city of Orlando invests 3.8 million into homeless services.

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That funding allows organizations like the coalition and Christian services to continue offering case management and direct help to those in need.

This year the City of Orlando announced a new initiative that will use federal funds to help with homelessness and the lack of affordable housing.

That means organizations can help more people and keep them off the streets.

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