ORLANDO, Fla. – On Monday, the City of Orlando approved a $150,000 funding agreement with The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida to house some people overnight who are picked up by the police department instead of sending them to jail.
Trinette Nation, the coalition’s director of development, says at the end of the day, everyone wants a roof over their heads, and that’s what they’re giving people in need.
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“We do provide them a warm bed, a hot meal, and a hot shower. Starting the next day on the right foot, that way they can go to our intake center and talk through the resources they have,” said Nation.
The agreement gives the shelter some resources to handle the growing number of people Orlando police drop off at the complex, many of whom are women and children.
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That includes help with food, staffing and security.
Nation says there are eligibility requirements for those who will be at the shelter, along with a security check.
“We were looking at our numbers because of this ordinance, the OPD drop off has risen significantly, especially with women and children,” said Nation.
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Nation told News 6 that OPD dropped off 161 people at the shelter in 2024.
This year, over the last few months, the shelter has taken in 111 people, with 75% being women and children.
People would have to fit the following requirements:
- Victims of domestic violence or sexual battery
- Family sleeping in a car that OPD believes to be in a dangerous situation
- Families with children found on the street or in a location that’s not livable
- A family or individual who is being faced with arrest for breaking the public camping ordinance
Not allowed:
- People who have been trespassed by the coalition
- OPD confirms criminal history, such as known sex offenders or arsonists
- Individuals who leave a medical facility whose current health prevents them from performing activities of daily living
Anyone dropped off will be given a place to sleep in an area designated for drop-offs, along with hygiene items.
“Taking someone and putting them behind bars over a situation they can’t control is not probably in their best interest,” said Nation.
Last year, the state banned local governments from allowing people to camp or sleep on public property. Since then, some outreach groups have said it has been challenging to locate those who are homeless as they are finding new places to hide.
Some 139 arrests have been made in relation to prohibited camping in Orlando, Ocoee, Winter Park and Apopka through Sept. 30, according to Orange County court records.
[WATCH: Orange County spends millions to house homeless people in jail. Is there a better way?]
The agreement’s funding comes from the office of homelessness and social services, and Mayor Buddy Dyer says the funding is necessary.
“It absolutely makes a difference. Without the funding, not being able to provide the services, that would be detrimental to our community,” said Dyer.
Nation says the funds are a part of the solution, as many shelters face the same issue.
“I think every shelter in the area is at capacity. It’s really heartbreaking that we need more programs and services,” said Nation.
When it comes to how this funding could impact the state’s DOGE audit, the city is currently undergoing for claims of wasteful spending, officials say this funding is unrelated to it.