Orlando’s plan to reduce homelessness ‘not changing’ due to new law, officials say

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This story was originally published by The Community Paper.

The City of Orlando plans to continue its efforts to reduce homelessness, despite potential setbacks proposed by the second section of Florida House Bill 1365, which took effect on Jan. 1.

The “Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping” bill was first enacted in October of last year, preventing people — unhoused or otherwise — from sleeping on public property. The subsequent section allows citizens to file legal action against local governments if they believe the law is being violated.

Orange County has over 2,000 people experiencing homelessness, according to a census conducted last January. Lisa Portelli, senior analyst on homelessness and social services for Orlando, said in an interview that this law only “criminalizes homelessness” and takes away from efforts to help the unsheltered.

“It’s really been a detriment,” Portelli said. “It’s taken a lot of our time and resources that are not directed at a real solution.”

The City of Orlando allocates $4.5 million per year in grants to not-for-profit agencies that help people who are homeless through emergency shelters, housing assistance, healthcare and other supportive services. These include organizations like the Christian Service Center, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Homeless Service Network of Central Florida, Salvation Army Orlando and more.

By 2027, the City aims to reduce the number of unsheltered individuals in the downtown area by 50% through investing $30 million in existing facilities and services, Portelli said. Some plans include the conversion of Orange County’s vacant Work Release Center at 135 W. Kaley St. into an open access shelter, which would provide a safe space and services 24/7 to unsheltered individuals, and the development of comprehensive day services centers.

Portelli said that while this law may divert funds from helping those experiencing homelessness due to risk management and the lawsuits the legislation allows, she is hopeful Orlando residents will allow the City to continue its efforts toward reducing homelessness in Central Florida.

“We have had a services-first approach response for years,” Portelli said. “And that service-first response is not changing even as a result of this law.”