Beds, laws, lawsuits: The math of homelessness in Central Florida

Central Florida faces a stark “math problem” when it comes to addressing homelessness. Available resources simply don’t add up to meet the demand. According to the Homeless Services Network’s 2024 Point-in-Time census, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties collectively reported 2,776 people experiencing homelessness. This group includes individuals staying in shelters, living in cars, and sleeping outdoors. However, the same census revealed a critical shortfall in shelter availability. Across these three counties, only 709 shelter beds are available—just one-fourth of what’s needed to accommodate the homeless population.