ORLANDO, Fla. – The city of Orlando has decided not to move forward with putting a new homeless shelter on Washington Street.
The city is seeking to invest $7.5 million of funds from the Accelerate Orlando program into opening a new “Open Access” shelter, city officials said Tuesday.
In a news release, officials said the shelter would provide 24/7 accommodations for up to 250 people, but in a town hall-style meeting held Tuesday night, residents said it was not fair to have another shelter in their neighborhood.
Orlando City Council had plans to discuss a yearlong lease — with the option to purchase — and was considering a 21,000-square-foot facility at 2140 W. Washington Street.
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According to the release, the shelter would operate with minimal entry requirements, and offer services like employment assistance, healthcare, and counseling to help people find housing.
The reduced barriers to entry would also allow pets, partners and entry without identification, city officials explained.
“Following a robust period of community engagement and stakeholder feedback, the city council would then consider purchasing the property to be operated by a service provider selected through a procurement process,” the city’s release reads.
The city will move forward with finding another location.
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The city’s announcement comes as a new law is set to go into effect next month that would prevent homeless people from sleeping in public places.
However, the new law will allow local governments to designate certain properties for sleeping or camping if the sites meet standards set by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
If a local government chooses to do so, the designated property may then be used for public camping or sleeping for up to one year.
However, the county will also be responsible for establishing standards for safety, security, sanitation, mental health services and substance abuse services, as well as prohibiting illegal substances and alcohol use. Exemptions under this law include certain emergency declarations.
For a full list of Florida laws set to take effect on Oct. 1, click here.
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