Site work is underway in downtown Orlando for the new $60 million homeless shelter, a month after Morgan & Morgan made a “substantial financial commitment” to close the funding gap and allow the project to enter the construction phase.

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida had raised $50 million toward the effort, including about $30 million in subsidies from a mix of the Orange County Government, the City of Orlando, and a federal infusion from Congress. But that left a $10 million shortfall. In June, the Orlando-based law firm stepped in with a private, multi-year donation for what will now be known as the Morgan & Morgan Center for Women and Families.

“Orlando is our home, and when we see the people of this community suffering, we view it as our responsibility to help,” Partner Matt Morgan said. “The Coalition’s vision for this new center isn’t just about constructing walls; it’s about creating an environment where families can safely rebuild their lives with dignity. As long-time partners of the Coalition, our family and our firm are deeply honored to stand behind the Foundations Project and support their mission to provide a pathway out of homelessness for our Central Florida neighbors.”

The new shelter building will rise on the existing Coalition for the Homeless campus at the intersection of Parramore Avenue and W. Central Boulevard, just north of Inter&Co Stadium. (City of Orlando)The new shelter building will rise on the existing Coalition for the Homeless campus at the intersection of Parramore Avenue and W. Central Boulevard, just north of Inter&Co Stadium. (City of Orlando)

The new center represents a significant expansion of the Coalition’s capacity and mission. The six-story, 106,000-square-foot shelter will be situated on the Coalition’s 5.26-acre complex across from Inter & Co Stadium in Parramore. It will replace the former Channel 9 building the coalition retrofitted to shelter 240 women and children over a decade ago.

Beyond the infusion of new beds, the facility will include a new kitchen and dining facility to serve about 337,000 meals annually, an on-site clinic able to offer medical, dental, and mental-health services, as well as accredited children’s and youth services, day services, and rapid rehousing.

DeAngelis Diamond began early site work at 18 North Terry Ave. in late July, with a formal groundbreaking anticipated in conjunction with the start of construction activities. Project completion is expected in Spring 2028.

The general contractor and the DeAngelis Diamond Foundation are also making a financial contribution to the Coalition to support its mission. “Our Orlando team could not be prouder to be a part of this,” said TJ Sellers, VP & manager of the company’s Orlando division.

“This project is not simply about construction — it’s about transformation,” says Brad Butterstein, President and CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. “Our current facilities have helped us serve thousands of families, but they were not built for the needs we see today. The Foundations Project will give women and families a place where they feel safe, have access to the services they need, and can move forward with confidence. We are deeply grateful to our construction partner, DeAngelis Diamond, for bringing their expertise, dedication, and shared commitment to this vision. Their partnership is helping turn hope into a lasting reality for the women and families we serve.”

The project team also includes Stratus Team Architects (formerly Zyscovich), TLC Engineering Solutions, and VHB.

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