ORLANDO, Fla. — Combatting homelessness continues to be a battle in Central Florida, especially when it comes to young people.

With the school year now officially over for Orange County students, many are entering summer vacation full of excitement, while others, who may be experiencing homelessness, are entering a time of uncertainty.

What You Need To Know

  • A March 27 report of Orange County Public School’s Nighttime Status Data shows that 7,389 students are experiencing homelessness in some form

  • Officials with Homeless Services Network of Central Florida say that they usually see an increase in the number of homeless families during the summer months and have already had an influx in calls since school let out

  •  OCPS says they will have fewer summer offerings due to cuts in funding

  • HSNCFL is encouraging the community to continue to support existing programs so they can continue to find housing for families and individuals in need

Based on a March 27 report of Orange County Public School’s Nighttime Status Data, 7,389 students are experiencing homelessness in some form, which is higher than pre-pandemic levels.

“They’re sleeping in their cars, or sleeping outside or not doubled up, not couch surfing, they’ve been literally outside or in their cars," Homeless Services Network of Central Florida CEO Martha Are said. "And obviously we have grave concerns for those students throughout the school year as well as over the summer.” 

Are said her organization usually sees an increase in the number of homeless families during the summer months and have already had an influx in calls since school let out.

“During the summer things get harder many times for families experiencing homelessness, because parents have a harder time keeping jobs because the kids are not in school right, so there’s that lack of childcare opportunities," she said.

And with OCPS seeing cuts in funding, including Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds, OCPS Superintendent Maria Vazquez told News 13 Wednesday that they are going to have less summer offerings this year.

“So, there will be fewer opportunities this summer as a result of the loss of those dollars," Vazquez said. "But there will be all of our high schools, middle schools and most of our elementary schools that will be housing summer school.”

There are other resources available, however.

Are suggests that families reach out to them and Summer BreakSpot to help find meals, and to call 211 to see what resources they may qualify for.

She's also encouraging the community to continue to support existing programs so they can continue to find housing for families and individuals in need.

“Anytime we can support efforts to create housing or shelter opportunities that allow these families to come back home to their community where they have been living, it’s great to support those efforts," Are said.

She said that one of her major concerns is about those sleeping in their cars or on the streets in the summer months is the heat and lack of sleep. Those things, she said, can be extremely dangerous.

Are asked for community members to support local organizations so they can find stable shelter for anyone in need.

Anyone interested in additional information on the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida and their mission can visit the organization's website.