ORLANDO, Fla. – In a significant move to address homelessness in the region, the Orlando City Council has approved plans for the expansion of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida shelter. This expansion will include a new 9,000-square-foot facility dedicated to providing more resources for unhoused women and children.
The new construction is set to take place at the intersection of Ossie and Parramore Streets. Currently an empty lot, this area is poised for transformation as part of the city’s efforts to combat homelessness.
“We are excited to partner, and this isn’t just going to be a shelter,” said District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose. “It’s going to be a state-of-the-art building addressing needs for women and children, including business opportunities, education, and everything you can think of.”
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According to the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness increased by 86% from 2023 to 2024, highlighting the urgent need for expanded facilities.
HSN officials say they are also seeing large increases in families with children and elderly women experiencing homelessness for the first time in recent years.
The renovation project is estimated to cost around $60 million, with funding sourced from the city, county, grants, and private donations. The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida aims to commence the project this June.
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