Central Florida's Homeless Crisis And Affordable Housing Shortage Highlighted Locally

According to Kathy Schmitz, president of the League of Women Voters of Orange County, the topic was chosen to raise awareness and visibility for the issue. "It's a growing issue, and we want to bring some of the voices of people who are really working in these areas to the table," Schmitz said. Martha Are, CEO of the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, concurred that affordable housing is a major factor driving the rise in homelessness in the area.

"While homelessness looks differently in every community, one thing is clear: affordable housing is a significant contributor to the problem," Are stated. The Central Florida area is currently grappling with a shortage of homeless shelter beds, which has led to an increase in people sleeping or camping on public property.

As a result, the state has implemented a new law that bans sleeping or camping on public property, "and residents.".. business owners... and the state attorney general can also sue cities and counties that fail to enforce these bans ← →

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Kathy Schmitz is the president of the League of Women Voters of Orange County. She serves as a voice for the community, advocating for informed and engaged residents. Schmitz is featured in a collaborative initiative of independent local news outlets, discussing the challenges of homelessness in Central Florida.

Martha Are is the chief executive officer of the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. She provides insight into the growing issue of homelessness, "stating that affordable housing is a primary driver of the crisis." Are's expertise sheds light on the complexities of homelessness... including the shortage of shelter beds and the impact of new state laws governing public camping and enforcement.

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This story is part of a collaborative initiative of independent local news outlets working towards a more informed and engaged Central Florida. This originally appeared on WKMG News 6 / ClickOrlando.com . A Central Florida group hosted a conversation about homelessness and the recent challenges faced in efforts to combat the crisis.
⁘It⁘s just a growing issue,⁘ League of Women Voters of Orange County President Kathy Schmitz said.