ORLANDO, Fla. — New data from the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida shows since before the pandemic, 75% more people are now homeless in Central Florida. That increase is one of the reasons Orlando city leaders are once again talking about ways to try to tackle the growing problem.

What You Need To Know

  • New data from the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida shows since before the pandemic, 75% more people are now homeless in Central Florida

  • That increase is one of the reasons Orlando city leaders are once again talking about ways to try to tackle the growing problem

  • From March 1st, 2022, to February 28th 2023, the network placed 3,367 people into permanent housing

  • Orlando city leaders laid out two main goals for the next three years – reduce the number of homeless people by 50%, and ensure no children spend the night on the streets

Orlando city leaders say they’re trying to make progress on getting more people off the streets and into homes, but they need more affordable housing in the area to do that.

Rufus McCoy has been homeless for about two years. Mccoy was evicted from an apartment and has since been unable to find an affordable home and he says shelters have been mostly full. He’s been mostly living under bridges and overpasses in downtown Orlando.

“I’ve been moving around because people would see me moving in and out, so I’d have to move, then I’d have to move to another spot,” said McCoy. 

“I worry about my life. I’m almost 60, I don’t want to be out here at 62.”

City leaders say they’re seeing more seniors become homeless. Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, or HSN, updated Orlando city commissioners on their progress. From March 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023, they placed 3,367 people into permanent housing. But with rising rent costs, they say it’s hard to make a real dent in the problem.

HSN officials told city leaders the focus must be on converting more hotels into affordable housing units.

One property is under construction, to open in early 2024, and the city is talking with several developers about converting more properties into affordable housing.

McCoy says people who are willing to put in the work to improve their lives should have the option to live in homes that are affordable.

“Get a building, change it, make it affordable for people that need it that are willing to change,” said McCoy.

Mccoy is thankful for the help from the Christian Service Center, which is also helping him look for permanent housing. He hopes his long time on the streets can end soon.

“You want a roof, you don’t want to be outside in the elements, hot weather and rain,” said McCoy. “It’s too hot, you don’t want to be out here. Don’t. There should be more people that are understanding.”

Orlando city leaders laid out two primary goals for the next three years. They are to reduce the number of homeless people by 50%, and ensure no children spend the night on the streets.