ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 Central Florida\u2019s homeless crisis is highly visible, but what\u2019s less seen is how difficult it is to get off the street. It\u2019s not as simple as walking into a shelter. <\/p>\n
Leaders at Pathlight Home said the process of stable housing can be complex and time-consuming. They said it also looks different for everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the first challenge; you\u2019ve got to be able to maintain that contact throughout the process with people,\u201d Carl Falconer, Pathlight Home\u2019s President and CEO, said. \u201cThe second one is documents they have to have.\u201d<\/p>\n
Falconer said something as simple as not having a cell phone, or even identification, can make it much harder to connect people with housing, and ultimately, get them off the streets.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach housing opportunity that somebody has, has different criteria for what that is,\u201d Falconer said.<\/p>\n
At Pathlight, there are a few housing options. <\/p>\n
One is through its program units, where individuals are referred through the Homeless Services Network. Then each client is paired with a case manager to help them obtain identification, find employment, and address health issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think getting situated with paperwork is the hardest for them,\u201d Diana Gonzalez, the Director of Property Management at Pathlight, said. <\/p>\n
They also have market units for those who can come right through Pathlight\u2019s doors with proof of income and all documentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor those living in cars, difficult situations, they can fill out an application directly with us,\u201d Gonzalez said. \u201cWe\u2019re able to help them. Market rent is $725; that\u2019s a flat rate. They can just come in and apply.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each year, Pathlight houses roughly 700 people. Falconer projects the number of people to only increase.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to have this problem where we cannot find enough housing, particularly for those who are low income,\u201d Falconer said.<\/p>\n
Those who are experiencing homelessness and seeking stable housing are encouraged to call 211 or call Pathlight directly at (407) 294-0123 to be connected with a case manager. <\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n