The need for effective housing solutions is urgent as homelessness rises amid economic challenges
Orange County: The last few years have been tough, especially with rising prices and a lack of affordable housing. The homeless community is feeling it the most.
This week has been particularly harsh. With record low temperatures, the Orange County government passed a new camping ordinance. It was a close vote, 4-2, with one commissioner missing. This law makes it illegal to sleep overnight in public areas, but it doesn’t apply to those sleeping in their cars.
So, what’s the next step? With not enough shelter beds and a $500 fine or 60 days in jail as the only options, it’s hard to see how this helps. The Samaritan Resource Center in East Orlando has seen a huge rise in people needing housing. The goal is to help them find homes, but the demand is way higher than the supply. Plus, issues like mental health, past evictions, and job instability make it even tougher for these folks.
For years, the Orange County government and the City of Orlando have teamed up with the Homeless Services Network to tackle this issue. Back in 2014, AdventHealth put $6 million into a Housing First initiative, which is a solid approach but pricey. They’ve recently added another $9 million to help expand housing and provide job training. We really need more investments like this to make a difference. Mayor Jerry Demings emphasized that this isn’t just a government issue; it’s something we all need to pitch in on.
That’s why we’re teaming up with County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero and Faith United Methodist Church to hold regular town hall meetings starting in September 2024. The aim is to bring together leaders and residents to brainstorm and support local initiatives.
Our homeless neighbors need our community’s support to thrive once they find housing. Just like anyone else, they need a network to help them through tough times. It’s crucial that we make a real impact instead of just giving them a key and wishing them luck.
We should keep looking for innovative solutions, like the Community First Model in Austin, Texas, and job programs we have with Valencia College’s ASL program and the UGO clinic in Bithlo.
We can’t just arrest our way out of homelessness. It’s going to take teamwork to find safe and secure housing for everyone. We should also look at other cities, like London and Portland, that are leading the way in solving homelessness. I encourage you to join our town hall meetings, volunteer, or support local nonprofits working on these important solutions.
Zeynep Portway is the executive director of the Samaritan Resource Center.
