ORLANDO, Fla. – After a fire at a homeless shelter Wednesday, organizations throughout Central Florida are lending a helping hand.
On Thursday afternoon, the CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless gave an update on the damage to their facility and how it’s affecting the people they serve. No one was hurt in the fire, but 237 men were displaced. Investigators are still looking into what started the fire in the men’s dorms. Water used to put out the flames also damaged the kitchen below.
“I really just want to say that the community and our staff pulled together to do amazing things in order to ensure the folks that we serve had a roof over their heads last night,” said CEO Allison Krall.
Krall expects the men experiencing homelessness will be housed by community partners for the next 10 days because of the damage. The fire has also disrupted programs and facilities on site, including the women and children who eat meals there.
News 6 visited the Bishops’ Storehouse Thursday, along with Troy Wright with Light Orlando, to get a firsthand look at some of the donations that will help those in need.
“We heard about it first thing this morning,” said Wright. “I got up, turned on News 6 and immediately saw the story, sent out a text message to our team and our board to talk about how we can get involved.”
Elder David Portlock showed our crew around the warehouse full of goods run by the Church of Jesus Christ Ladder Day Saints. Volunteers help run the facility that donates items to those in need throughout the year and in times of emergency.
“That’s what the warehouse is for. That’s why we have it here in Orlando,” said Portlock. “It’s great to be a part of the community and help those people in need. We’re just delighted to do it.”
The Coalition for the Homeless has asked for monetary donations, non-perishable food items, pillows and blankets, and men’s clothing following Wednesday’s fire.
“Whether it’s a 100 people or 5 people, it’s the individual,” said Wright. “We need to focus on those who have lost those personal items and more importantly the security of finding a place to stay.”
Krall said Thursday that every person who is displaced will have a roof over their head thanks to faith-based institutions opening their doors, and other shelters in the community who have expanded their capacity.
It will be at least 10 days before the shelter reopens, however, because of the damage.
Here’s how Krall says people can help:
- Donate nonperishable food items and bagged lunches
- Donate new blankets and new pillows
Anyone bringing supplies or food can bring it to the gate of the coalition’s facility at 18 N. Terry Ave. in Orlando between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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