ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orange County ministry facility housing 100 men, women and children has been shut down upon being deemed unsafe, according to the county.
A temporary injunction was served Wednesday to Kaleo Ministries’ Hope City Refuge at 1717 Harrell Road after inspections “revealed multiple violations and severe life safety issues.”
“This is a tragedy that was waiting to occur, and we hope we’ve prevented that from happening today,” Orange County Public Safety Director Danny Banks said.
The injunction ordered the property owner to “cease inviting and allowing persons to continue living in structures and buildings that are unsafe,” the county said in a news release.
Bill Farhat, acting Orange County fire marshal, said they installed smoke alarms and loaned fire extinguishers.
County officials believe the property owner had been unable to afford the required fire safety improvements, but Pastor Marcos Diaz claims his ministry has struggled to get the proper permits.
“I haven’t been able to get an occupancy license or nothing because of our zoning. We’re in the last phases of that,” he said.
According to the injunction, violations were cited in inspections during visits in November and December.
“This is a safe environment, especially for children. Because anywhere else you go, you’re dealing with drug addicts, alcoholics and other foolishness,” tenant Janice Walter said.
Orange County said current residents of Hope City Refuge can find temporary housing at the Help Now Mobile Resource Center on Harrell Drive.
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