Revitalized Housing, Outreach to Homeless
Highlighted in Central Florida

Details about the new Carver Park housing community under construction are described by Pat Rice, Assistant to the Executive Director of Orlando Housing Authority.

Attendees from Congressional and State legislative offices in Central Florida receive news and information from HUD, local public housing authority staff, and homeless service providers that will be helpful in serving their constituents.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of a check for $4,349,078.00 to Marilyn Gordon (left) with the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, the lead agency for the Continuum of Care for Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, and to Bakari Burns (right) with Health Care Center for the Homeless, a member of HSN and provider of services through the Continuum. Orlando HUD Field Office Director Buz Ausley (center) stands with them after presenting the award.

Staffers from United States Congress and State Legislative offices in Central Florida gathered recently to hear the latest news from HUD and from several HUD grantees that provide critical housing and homeless services in Central Florida. The briefing focused on issues and information that will better equip them in serving their constituents. Everyone gathered in the community room at The Villas at Hampton Park, showcasing one of Orlando Housing Authority's new mixed housing communities revitalized using HOPE VI grants from HUD.

Vivian Bryant, Executive Director of Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) gave an overview of the completion of the Authority's new administrative office at Hampton Park and the progress on Carver Park. Carver Park will feature a central lake, new roads and infrastructure, and 203 homes offering rental housing and ownership opportunities. The mix of housing includes a 64-unit multifamily seniors-only complex, attached townhomes with garages, single family detached homes, duplexes, quadplexes and townhouses without garages. A Neighborhood Network Center will feature a computer lab, a tutoring/study room and a multi-purpose activity room. An offsite homeownership program will provide assistance to 50 income eligible families within most areas of Orange County.

Marilyn Gordon, Executive Director of the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida (HSN), shared the challenges of delivering services to the homeless in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. The numbers of homeless are dramatically increasing, especially among families. She outlined the ways in which HSN and its member agencies plan to use the new HUD grant to address the most pressing needs.

Bakari Burns, CEO of Health Care Center for the Homeless, described work that the Center is doing to reach the increasing number of homeless individuals who need essential medical attention because they have neglected their health for too long and are uninsured. Outreach teams travel to camps in the wooded areas and everywhere that the homeless reside, convincing them to visit the nearest service center to receive free services provided by various agencies in the healthcare network.