Housing Insecurity
The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a survey that collects estimates on the number of people experiencing homelessness. The data collected helps us better understand the impact of homelessness in Central Florida. The survey data is collected annually on a single night in January.
In 2023:
The full PIT report can be accessed here.
Homelessness doesn't just affect adults. In the past academic year, OCPS reports that there were more than 7,200 students experiencing homelessness in the county. This number accounts for students living in hotels, shelters, cars, and parks.
Best practices from Ryan Dowd, a homeless advocate from Chicago. Ryan works with libraries and nonprofit organizations providing training on serving individuals experiencing homelessness. These best practices are recommended for helping reduce difficult interactions.
Be Welcoming and Engaging
Body Language
At times we'll need to have conversations with our customers experiencing homelessness (but these tips can be used for any difficult conversation) and our approach can impact the tone.
Predictable Ritual
Individuals experiencing homelessness think about time differently. We can help by ensuring that procedures that impact public service happen on time. Think about when you put out your new materials and newspapers, or open the library for the day? For most, a disruption to any of these scenarios is not a big deal but can have a bigger impact on individuals that experience homelessness. We can't control all situations but when disruptions happen it's important to communicate that information.
Social Standing
Practice the Platinum Rule:
Individuals that experience homelessness want to be treated like everyone else.
Avoid Touching
Don't touch! Unwanted touching can be a trigger for individuals experiencing homelessness because of trauma caused by physical violence. Check out an explanation from Ryan Dowd here.
Impacts of children aging out of foster care:
"When I turned 18, I left and didn't look back. I had no plan, no money, just a bag full of clothes and a will never to go back to my foster home."
Unsheltered
Unsheltered refers to individuals that are absolutely homeless and include individuals living on the street, parks, and vacant buildings. Individuals living in places not fit for habitation like cars, tents, and garages also fall under this category.
Emergency Sheltered
Emergency sheltered refers to individuals experiencing homelessness and receiving temporary housing from emergency shelters. This category also includes individuals in a domestic violence shelters and disaster event shelters.
Provisionally Accommodated
Provisionally accommodated refers to individuals that are not literally homeless but don't have permanent housing. This includes individuals staying with friends or family and living in hotels and motels. This category also includes incarcerated individuals and individuals living in hospitals due to health issues.
At Risk
At risk of homelessness refers to any individuals that don't have access to adequate resources and are one major event away from losing it all. A lack of affordable housing is a big contributing factor for individuals that fall in this category. Reduction in work wages, job loss, eviction are some common reasons that lead to homelessness for individuals at risk.
Heidi Fernandez
Serves: Orlando Public Library
Stephanie Merida
Serves: Alafaya, Southeast, South Creek, Chickasaw
Thomas Good
Serves: South Trail, Hiawassee, Fairview Shores, North Orange
The Library Social Workers provide one-on-one assistance and referral for:
Assistance is available by appointment, walk-in, phone, or e-mail. Appointment scheduling and walk-in information can be found here.
The Right Service at the Right Time is a database to aid individuals seeking social services assistance in the state of Florida.
Helpline: 1-800-405-1417
Provides legal services to them most vulnerable in Central Florida at no cost
Daily Bread-Downtown Orlando
808 W. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32805
Monday-Friday, and Sunday
Noon- 1 PM
Daily Bread-West Orange
300 West Franklin Street. Ocoee, FL 34761
Monday-Friday
Noon-1 PM
Serves 3 hot meals a day, 365 days a year.
3300 W. Colonial Drive. Orlando, FL 32808
Always call before heading to a location. Hours and location may vary. Scan the code or click on the link to find a food pantry or distribution center.
Spent is an online simulation experience that was created for the Urban Ministries of Durham. The purpose of the game is to raise awareness about poverty and homelessness. Players are given $1000 to live for month and are tested though a series of real world scenarios. While the game is on the older side, it still serves its purpose at demonstrating the day to day challenges for some.
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
Covenant House Florida: Services available to the youth community
Family Promise of Greater Orlando
Harbor House of Central Florida: Services available to domestic violence victims only
Open Homes Fellowship: Services available to men struggling with substance abuse
Zebra Coalition: Services available to the LGBTQIA+ youth community
Drop-in services are provided Monday-Friday. Services provided include:
Hours
Men: 9 AM to 11:30 AM
Women and Families: 1 PM to 3 PM
Drop-in services are provided to individuals with mental health challenges that are experiencing homelessness. Services provided include:
An organization focused on providing assistance with personal needs for unsheltered individuals. Services provided include:
Drop-in services are provided to at risk LGBTQIA+ youth. Services provided include:
Lymmo operates three fare-free lines for travel around the Downtown Orlando area.
Buses run every 8 minutes during office hours and every 15 minutes on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Lynx offers discounted bus fares for eligible individuals including youth, seniors, Medicare recipients, and persons with disabilities. Requires application and verification.
Primary Care Access Network
The following clinics are part of the Primary Care Access Network (PCAN). These organizations provide medical services for individuals on a sliding fee scale for those that are underinsured or uninsured.
Additional clinics
A faith-based nonprofit organization providing free medical care for uninsured individuals in Central Florida.
Career Source of Central Florida
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida
Provides employment assistance for ex-offenders.
An organization that assists US Citizens and legal residents in obtaining:
