ORLANDO, Fla. — Nobody was more excited about Easter than Liza Minnelli Pacheco, whose small, nonprofit called “We Take Care of Our Own” had been planning a holiday celebration.

What You Need To Know

  • Over 100 residents asked to leave Kaleo Ministries on Wednesday remain off the property, turning to Orange County for a place to stay

  • 22 children were living on the property but have since left for another place to stay

  • Nonprofit providing gifts and plans for Easter celebration for children asked to leave Kaleo

  • Orange County officials provided housing to 83 people Wednesday following the injunction

Twenty-two children made their home at the Kaleo Ministries with their families, many who ended up there because they were homeless and in need of a variety of services.

On Wednesday, Orange County officials served an injunction, closing the doors to residents due to code violations that include a lack of sprinklers, exits and fire extinguishers. 

The injunction shocked Pacheco, who was planning on doing something special for the children.

“According to the news, this was a very unsafe place. According to my personal belief and my personal experience, I couldn’t be safer here,” said Pacheco.

Pacheco had been providing services to the ministries, including bringing clothes for children in need ranging in all different ages from infants to teenagers.

“What is the solution to the problem? Right now, housing is so difficult, even for people that are working,” she said. “Minimum wage does not go up. Everything goes up but your pay.”

Amanda Dukes, with the Office of Communications, says Orange County provided housing for 69 adults and 17 children Wednesday night, following the injunction.

Some went to shelters, while the majority went to hotels.

Orange County set up a mobile crisis center near Kaleo Ministries and continues to assist those that were asked to leave the property.

Pacheco and her husband, Angel, spent Thursday unloading Easter baskets and gifts purchased for the 22 children that are now living in a variety of facilities, some provided by Orange County officials following the injunction.

“Either we deliver them, or we pick them up and have a little Easter fun here. The children should not be impacted by what other people think or do. They should just continue to be kids,” said Pacheco.

Michele Hernandez can relate to Pacheco’s efforts. 

She was once homeless with two children, when Kaleo Ministries took her in and gave her and her kids a safe home.

“To see the children now to have to be separated, I’m hurt. We need help,” she said.

Pacheco wants to put smiles on the children’s faces.

“I want the kids to be happy for that day. And that people can see that there is more to this place, then what they heard on the news,” said Pacheco.