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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Major Expansion Planned for Women and Family Homeless Shelter in Orlando
A new facility dedicated to supporting women and families experiencing homelessness is set to be built in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood. The center, spearheaded by the Coalition for the Homeless, aims to significantly increase shelter capacity and enhance homeless services for the area.
Details of the New Parramore Facility
Located on North Terry Avenue, the upcoming center will be a six-story structure spanning 105,000 square feet. The $19 million project will replace the Coalition’s current facility, which has been in use for approximately 75 years. This substantial investment reflects the growing need for modern and expanded shelter capacity in Orlando.
Shelter Expansion and Leadership Perspective
Leon Kirkpatrick, representing the Coalition for the Homeless, highlighted the impact the new facility is expected to have on the Orlando homelessness crisis. "It will help us expand our program by 40 to 50 percent on how we will impact the community," Kirkpatrick said. The expansion will add hundreds of beds and provide temporary housing to women and families who are currently experiencing homelessness.
Transitional Housing and On-Site Medical Clinic
In addition to shelter beds, the facility will offer transitional housing. This component is designed to help residents move from emergency shelter into more stable long-term arrangements. Orlando City Commissioner Shan Rose, who represents District 5, emphasized the importance of this service: "It also includes transitional housing, and that’s what most of our shelters do not have." The project will also integrate an on-site medical clinic to further support guests' health needs.
Addressing Gaps in Local Homeless Services
The new center is part of a broader effort by local governments and service organizations to address orlando homelessness. Recent initiatives include Orlando's citywide action plan for unsheltered residents, focusing on expanded housing options and enhanced access to homeless services. In addition, the Christian Service Center for the Homeless unveiled a $7 million renovation, and the 407 Connect program offers a mobile overnight shelter solution in the area.
Community Efforts and Timeline
Commissioner Rose stressed the value of connecting people to services while addressing homelessness: "We are meeting people where they are in their unfortunate unhoused situation and helping them get their lives back together." The enhanced women homeless shelter and family homeless shelter in Parramore are expected to play a crucial part in these ongoing community efforts.
Project Completion Date
The Coalition for the Homeless expects to finish construction of the new shelter in the first quarter of 2028. Once open, the center will broaden the reach of homeless services in Orlando, providing much-needed transitional housing and healthcare to those in need.
Source: clickorlando.com.
