Orange County officials and community leaders gathered Wednesday on North Terry Avenue, near the Inter.co Stadium, to break ground on a new homeless‑services center for women and children. The project, called the Foundations Project, is a joint effort by the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Orange County and the City of Orlando.
Scope and funding
The 105,000‑square‑foot facility will cost roughly $29.5 million, with $19.5 million contributed by Orange County and $10 million from the City of Orlando. Federal grant money also helps fund the development, underscoring the partnership between local and national resources to address homelessness.
What the center will provide
When completed, the Foundations Project will offer:
- 112 short‑term beds for women and children experiencing homelessness
- 20 bridge‑housing units containing more than 75 beds for families awaiting permanent housing
- An on‑site health clinic delivering primary‑care services
- Expanded meal programs, childcare and youth activities
These services aim to give families a safe, dignified environment while they transition to stable housing.
Local leaders voice support
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings addressed the crowd, emphasizing the moral imperative of the project. “While we may break ground, we may throw some dirt, the ultimate goal is to make certain that people don’t have to live on our streets, that people who deserve to have services, who deserve to be treated, who are broken, perhaps we can change that,” Demings said.
U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost also praised the effort, noting that the center aligns with broader federal initiatives to combat homelessness and improve health outcomes for vulnerable families.
Community‑focused design
Brad Butterstein, CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless, explained that the building’s exterior signage will deliberately omit the word “homeless.” He said the goal is to make residents feel like part of the broader community rather than outsiders, reinforcing the center’s inclusive mission.
Impact on the region
Officials project that the new center could increase service capacity by up to 50 percent, addressing a critical shortage of shelter and support for women and children in Central Florida. By consolidating housing, health care and child‑focused programs under one roof, the project seeks to streamline assistance and reduce the time families spend in emergency shelters.
The groundbreaking marks a tangible step toward the county’s strategic plan to reduce homelessness, a priority that aligns with the administration’s emphasis on family stability, personal liberty and faith‑based community outreach.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
