Proposed design of Hope City Refuge: A modern sanctuary for the homeless.
Kaleo Ministries proposes the Hope City Refuge complex in East Orlando to combat rising homelessness. The plan includes 120 emergency and transitional housing units, amidst community concerns over safety and property values. The proposal is under review, reflecting the urgent need for adequate homeless facilities in Central Florida.
Orlando, Florida, is facing a critical challenge as Kaleo Ministries steps forward with plans to build a new homeless shelter complex aimed at addressing the pressing homelessness crisis in Central Florida. The proposed project, named Hope City Refuge, will be located at 1717 Harrell Rd. and aims to transform the site into a safe and welcoming sanctuary for those in need.
The original Hope City Refuge shelter was shut down in March 2024 by the county fire marshal due to severe safety issues. It was reported that the facility lacked essential fire detection and prevention equipment, raising serious concerns about the safety of its occupants. This prompted a reevaluation of the site and a commitment to do better. The new proposal, submitted in 2023, seeks to not only replace the former shelter but to significantly improve the services offered and create a safer environment.
The new complex is set to feature a whopping 120 emergency housing units and 120 transitional housing units, offering much-needed short- and long-term accommodation options. In addition, there will be a dedicated 9,000-square-foot drug treatment center aimed at assisting those battling addiction, alongside another 9,000 square feet earmarked for educational and administrative purposes.
The design includes one building for emergency housing and five separate buildings for transitional housing, thoughtfully arranged around a central gathering area and playground. This layout is intended to foster community and support for individuals and families seeking stability.
Concerns among residents focus on potential decreases in property values, increased crime rates, and anticipated rises in traffic. This makes it apparent that bridging the gap between the needs of the homeless and the concerns of local residents will require careful dialogue and strategic planning.
The reality is that Central Florida has a significant need for additional homeless facilities. Recent estimates suggest that there is an immediate requirement for over 1,000 shelter beds to accommodate the rising population of homeless individuals. According to the 2024 Point-In-Time Count, there are currently 2,776 homeless individuals within the Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties, marking a staggering 38% increase since 2020. Most notably, the unsheltered population alone has skyrocketed by 138%, going from 459 in 2020 to a startling 1,094 in 2024.
Other proposals for homeless shelters, including one in Orlando’s SoDo neighborhood, are also facing significant neighborhood pushback. The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida is actively working on plans to create a facility specifically for unhoused women and children, highlighting the urgent need to address the rising numbers of vulnerable populations.
Current shelters in the area are often at capacity, making it increasingly difficult for families and individuals with specific needs to find refuge. Meanwhile, local law enforcement grapples with the pressure of enforcing a ban on camping, which has resulted in a noticeable uptick in arrests related to homelessness.
As the date for the zoning proposal approaches, Orlando finds itself at a crossroads in addressing homelessness. Balancing the urgent need for shelter with community concerns remains a challenging task. The hope is that with collaborative efforts, open discussions, and sensible planning, Orlando can pave the way for a brighter future for all its residents.
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