ORLANDO, Fla. – Nearly 30,000 people in Florida are experiencing homelessness, and leaders in Orlando say they are continuing efforts to address the growing crisis through a multi-million-dollar initiative aimed at long-term solutions.
The city’s Accelerate Orlando program, launched in 2022, has invested tens of millions of dollars into affordable housing, expanded shelter space and support services designed to reduce homelessness across the region.
City commissioners are set to receive an update on the program during a workshop Monday. Officials are expected to discuss progress so far, including shelter expansion efforts, and evaluate whether the initiative is meeting its intended goals.
Orlando leaders say they are building on existing partnerships with organizations already working in the space, including the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and the nonprofit Social Outreach Orlando. However, homelessness remains a widespread issue that extends beyond downtown.
In Orange County, officials are considering a new site for a 150-bed homeless shelter near Goldenrod Road, a proposal that has drawn mixed reactions from nearby residents.
Robin Person, who lives close to the potential site, said she supports efforts to help people experiencing homelessness but wants to see a clear plan in place.
“They’re bringing 150 people from somewhere else into the area,” Person said.
She also questioned how the county would determine who would be served at the shelter and whether those already living in nearby encampments would be prioritized.
“Are they going to interview the homeless that are currently in the area?” Person said. “Because there are a lot — there’s different homeless camps all through the area, all the way up to past Dean Road and back toward 50.”
The outcome of Monday’s workshop could help shape the next phase of Orlando’s strategy to address homelessness, as city leaders weigh both progress and community concerns.