A growing crisis could soon bring a big change to East Orange County. A vacant lot on Goldenrod is now being considered for a new homeless shelter, aimed at helping dozens of people get off the streets and back on their feet. But for neighbors who live right across the street, this plan is hitting close to home. Some say help is long overdue, while others are watching closely as the proposal moves forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 10-acre lot right here off Goldenrod Road is where leaders are considering putting a 150-bed, full-service homeless shelter. We spoke with neighbors who live right across the street about their thoughts on the county\u2019s plans.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bruce Harrell said he\u2019s struggling to find help in East Orlando. \u201cThere is nowhere to go unless you stay across the downtown area or somewhere like that,\u201d Harrell said. After four years on the streets, he said he\u2019s ready for a way out, but options are few and far between. \u201cAll the places say trespass. You can\u2019t stay anywhere. It\u2019s hard for us to find a place to put up a tent or lay down on the ground,\u201d Harrell said.<\/p>\n
Neighbors said he\u2019s far from the only one struggling. \u201cThey\u2019re always on the corner of Goldenrod and Colonial, out there with signs. I do my best to try and help them,\u201d said Cecil Peck, who lives near Goldenrod Road.<\/p>\n
The Samaritan Resource Center said since 2020, the number of people they\u2019re serving has tripled. \u201cIn 2020, we were seeing about 20 to 30 people a day. Now we\u2019re easily seeing 100-plus people a day,\u201d said Zeynep Portway, executive director of the Samaritan Resource Center.<\/p>\n
Leaders said that surge is why they\u2019re looking to create a 150-bed, full-service homeless shelter, offering on-site food, laundry, and housing services. Jose Torres, who lives near Goldenrod Road, supported the idea. \u201cI think that\u2019s great. I think that\u2019s great because it\u2019ll help us in this community. You see many people hanging around, and sometimes you feel bad for them,\u201d Torres said.<\/p>\n
Leaders said those who stay there will be screened and connected with services to help them get back on track.<\/p>\n
Neighbors will get a chance to voice their concerns about the facility Monday at 6 p.m. at the Goldenrod Recreation Center.<\/p>\n
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