ORLANDO, Fla. — The Coalition for the Homeless in Central Florida says currently, there’s a big need for resources to serve the homeless, due to the strains of the pandemic and the end of the eviction moratorium. 

One organization in Central Florida, The Sharing Center, has seen that sharp increase in need directly.

That’s why they will soon be expanding their capacity to serve threefold.

Alex is one of the Sharing Center's clients.

“Oh you know, I’m one of a kind," he laughs.

Alex's sharp sense of humor makes him a beloved character at the Seminole County agency where he’s also become a regular. A couple of times a week, he stops by to stock up on essentials.

“Picking out food for families, it’s a good thing, cause I know a lot of people lost a lot," he said.

He's humble though. Alex is one of those people who lost a lot.

He became homeless toward the beginning of this year when his living arrangement fell through. Ever since then he’s needed basic necessities.

“Out there, it kind of does get depressing, especially when people don’t really know the situation that you’re in. So, to have a place like this is actually wonderful because you have people who take the time out of their busy schedule to help people like us out," said Alex.

The Sharing Center is made up of several different services, the Oasis, where Alex is a client, focusing on the homeless.

That’s where leaders say there’s been a dramatic rise in need, with a 37% increase in visits over the past year.

The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida says over the past 12 months, more than 4,750 people were homeless in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.

That’s down from year’s past, but the Coalition for Homelessness in Central Florida says with the strain of COVID-19 and the end of the eviction moratorium, more resources, like The Sharing Center, are needed.

“I’ve seen an increase in all the needs, particularly the homeless families. People on sidewalks selling water to make a buck," said Chris Lutz, a longtime volunteer at The Sharing Center.

Lutz says she hopes the agency can continue serving as many people as possible, because the most rewarding part of it all, is seeing people like Alex get a second chance.

“They actually helped me with a resume that helped me get the job I got now. Having a place like this, is actually good," said Alex.

The Sharing Center says based on need, they are going to expand their building space for the Oasis for the homeless to three times its current size.

That means doubling the number of showers, washers, and dryers they have available for the homeless.