Local Organization Pushes for Improvements to Homeless Situation
by Carrie Elizabeth Bradon | The Florida Free Press
ORLANDO — Despite recent reports stating Central Florida’s homeless population has decreased, thousands remain without adequate housing. Localized efforts are being made to provide relief and raise awareness about this complex issue.
According to The Orlando Sentinel, the homeless population of Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties in 2019 totaled 2,010, which is a decrease of nearly 11 percent from 2014’s reports of 2,254. While the number of homeless individuals may be down, Central Florida is still a highly concentrated area for those without housing.
The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, an organization seeking to provide assistance and help end homelessness, moved 1,521 individuals to permanent housing in 2018.
On a daily basis, the Coalition helps 500 individuals of all ages through residential programs and serves 100 unsheltered individuals through “drop-in services.”
“We are proud to be part of a community-wide coordinated approach to delivering services, housing and programs to end homelessness,” Tracie Morris, vice president of Development and Community Engagement at the Coalition told The Florida Free Press.
Morris explained that being homeless is, contrary to popular belief, rarely a result of laziness or a matter of choice.
“There are a variety of factors that can lead to homelessness including, but not limited to unemployment, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, domestic violence (or other forms of victimization), poverty, and substance abuse. Oftentimes, the clients we serve have more than one contributing factor,” Morris said.
As Orlando’s cost of living, like many other growing cities, continues to increase, affordable housing stands the chance of becoming more elusive. In order to combat this particular challenge, the Coalition collaborates with the City of Orlando and Orange County Government, all of which are working to move individuals into permanent housing.
“There are many challenges, including the lack of affordable housing and a dedicated funding source for homeless services, but we are always looking for creative solutions that will meet the needs of those we serve and incredibly grateful for those who support our work on an on-going basis,” Morris said.
While local government is making a concerted effort to improve the situation, sufficient affordable housing remains challenging, in part due to the Florida Legislature’s usage of the state’s designated affordable housing funds.
In 2018, the Sadowski Trust Fund raised approximately $182 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program. Due to an absence of language restricting reallocation of these housing funds, much has been diverted to cover deficiencies in the state’s budget, leaving less-than-sufficient funds to address the housing crisis.
“We need advocates across the community to push for full funding of the Sadowski state housing trust, money that is designated to affordable housing, to ensure these critical funds do not continue being swept into general revenue,” Morris said.
According to the Florida Housing Coalition, over the last 15 years almost $2.2 billion has been diverted from the affordable housing trust fund.
Bleak though it may seem, the Coalition is optimistic about the homeless situation and the efforts made to support those without housing.
“While there is still much to do, our community has made great strides in coordinating efforts and collaborating, where possible, to ensure as many people are served in the best way possible,” Morris said. “The majority of our clients want the same thing we want for them: stability, access to resources, and a permanent, affordable place to call home. Sometimes, they just need a little guidance and support — and knowing people care — to get them there.”
This is part of an ongoing series investigating homelessness in Central Florida.
