A growing crisis could soon bring a big change to East Orange County. A vacant lot on Goldenrod is now being considered for a new homeless shelter, aimed at helping dozens of people get off the streets and back on their feet. But for neighbors who live right across the street, this plan is hitting close to home. Some say help is long overdue, while others are watching closely as the proposal moves forward.
“This 10-acre lot right here off Goldenrod Road is where leaders are considering putting a 150-bed, full-service homeless shelter. We spoke with neighbors who live right across the street about their thoughts on the county’s plans.”
Bruce Harrell said he’s struggling to find help in East Orlando. “There is nowhere to go unless you stay across the downtown area or somewhere like that,” Harrell said. After four years on the streets, he said he’s ready for a way out, but options are few and far between. “All the places say trespass. You can’t stay anywhere. It’s hard for us to find a place to put up a tent or lay down on the ground,” Harrell said.
Neighbors said he’s far from the only one struggling. “They’re always on the corner of Goldenrod and Colonial, out there with signs. I do my best to try and help them,” said Cecil Peck, who lives near Goldenrod Road.
The Samaritan Resource Center said since 2020, the number of people they’re serving has tripled. “In 2020, we were seeing about 20 to 30 people a day. Now we’re easily seeing 100-plus people a day,” said Zeynep Portway, executive director of the Samaritan Resource Center.
Leaders said that surge is why they’re looking to create a 150-bed, full-service homeless shelter, offering on-site food, laundry, and housing services. Jose Torres, who lives near Goldenrod Road, supported the idea. “I think that’s great. I think that’s great because it’ll help us in this community. You see many people hanging around, and sometimes you feel bad for them,” Torres said.
Leaders said those who stay there will be screened and connected with services to help them get back on track.
Neighbors will get a chance to voice their concerns about the facility Monday at 6 p.m. at the Goldenrod Recreation Center.