KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A new partnership is offering help to Kissimmee’s growing homeless population in more ways than before.
For the last 20 years, the Osceola Christian Ministry Center has helped the homeless with hot meals, clothing, showers and haircuts. Now, The Salvation Army will take over the operations at the facility, located on Union Street in downtown Kissimmee, and will provide additional services such as financial assistance.
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The idea behind the facility is to provide families with a helping hand, rather than a handout.
“This center is going to provide services where they will be able to better themselves in a better career,” said Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry. “We will provide career counseling and so many other opportunities.”
Choudhry said she has been fighting for a second homeless shelter in Osceola County for some time, but the idea hasn’t been getting the support she’d hoped.
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It’s estimated that there are around 5,000 homeless people in Osceola County. That includes those living in the woods, on streets and in extended stay motels along U.S. Highway 192. Of those, a thousand are children.
The new financial services will begin immediately.