ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando reports homelessness in Orange County increased by 23% in 2024, versus 2023.

What You Need To Know

  • New camping ordinances now in place

  • Orange County homelessness increased by 23% in 2024, versus 2023

  • Orlando Freeway Ministries offers assitance to more than just homeless

With new state laws and city ordinances now in place prohibiting where homeless people can camp or spend a night, law enforcement is now arresting individuals for violating the ordinance.

Every Saturday night behind the Downtown Orlando Library, Orlando Freeway Ministries picks up homeless people and takes them to their Freeway Orlando Ministries property. Early on in the new year, they say they have seen an uptick in those needing help.

Walking in Downtown Orlando, it’s not hard to spot those who are in need of some aid.

During the day, there are no issues being out and about, but when the day comes to an end and one looks for a good night's rest, challenges arise.

Josh Zuniga is the pastor for Orlando Freeway Ministries. Each and every Saturday night, you can see vans, shuttles and buses picking up those who need more than a warm meal.

“We go downtown by Lake Eola, we pick up there, and then we go to the men’s and women’s Residential Inspire,” Zuniga said in front of Orlando Freeway Ministries vehicles.

“Within those locations, we normally bus in 90-100 people every Saturday.”

The 90 to 100 is an average. Early on in 2025, Zuniga says he’s seen nearly double the turnout but admits he is not sure that is a credit to the new ordinances or the cold weather the past few weeks.

But Orlando Freeway Ministries isn’t a cold shelter on Saturday nights.

It’s a place to get a meal, participate in worship, select some clothes, and pick up a supply of wipes so folks can help clean themselves for a few days.

Those they help can’t spend the night, which Zuniga recognizes as an ongoing issue for those he’s continuing to help.

“We need more men's and women’s discipleship houses because in a house, we can only house six to eight men or five to six women,” Zuniga said. "With all these people we have coming, we need more houses because it doesn’t matter, every city, every county you go to there’s a drug, addiction, or homeless problem.”

The conundrum out here continues to be where one can sleep without breaking a law or ordinance.

Orlando Freeway Ministries doesn’t just do assistance for the homeless. They also work with those in recovery from addiction, rehab, or need help re-entering society following incarceration.