ORLANDO — Experts say there is a reason you might notice more homeless people on and around streets downtown.

What You Need To Know

  • Unsheltered homeless, those living on the street, the numbers jumped 38% from 2022

  • Most people living on the streets are homeless for the first time

  • Experts say skyrocketing rents are to blame for increased homelessness across Central Florida

  • The median price for a rental in Orlando is $1,700

According to the Homeless Service Network, the homeless population increased 5% from last year across central Florida.

Marth Are, CEO of Orlando’s Homeless Service Network, says unsheltered homelessness is up 38% from last year. 

“Those people did not change, the housing market changed,” said Are. 

Many are living on the streets for the very first time. 

“For 75% of the people that experienced homelessness, it was their first time. They have never been homeless before,” said Are.

She says the number one reason for the increase in homelessness is due to rapidly increasing rents.

“That is why they are outside, sleeping in places not meant for human habitation,” said Are.

The median price for a rental in Central Florida is over $1,700 a month.

The homeless advocate adds the area’s low wage economy also contributes to the homeless problem across central Florida.

Tony Woodard was waiting for a meal at Orlando’s Christian Service Center Tuesday afternoon. The 56-year-old reported he became homeless three weeks ago because he could no long afford to live in Orlando.

“I don’t have enough money to get in a place,” said Woodard.

He came to the Christian Center, located downtown, for help.

“Even though I get a check, I don’t have some $1,700 for rent,” said Woodard.

According to the Homeless Service Network, of the people who were unsheltered, 56.4% were found in Orange County, 31% in Osceola County and 12.6% in Seminole County.

Across those counties, the Homeless Services Network, its partner agencies, and volunteers, counted 2,258 people as homeless during this year’s three-day census, a 5% overall increase since 2022.

This includes those living in shelters and transitional housing, as well as the 587 people who were unsheltered.

But it does not count people who doubled up with other families, sofa-surfing at other people’s homes, or staying long term in rent-by-week motel rooms. It’s estimated that hundreds or even thousands of families fit in that category, especially in Osceola County.