A coalition of homeless and veterans outreach groups released a plan they believe will lower the number of homeless vets in Central Florida.
The group, a collaboration of the nonprofit Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, local Veterans Affairs and the Homeless Service Network, said it has a plan to tackle the problem. That plan was released Tuesday morning.
The plan begins with the identification of every homeless veteran in the region. Dubbed a "surge" outreach initiative, the plan is designed to eventually restore dignity back to people who have served the country.
According to coordinators, the "surge" count — which is the first step in the process — will take place the week of July 20. Over 400 volunteers will canvas the streets and reach out to homeless veterans. The initiative will shape the group's response, which will be focused around finding veterans with long-term housing. But they want to identify those in need first.
“This is going to be about our community being a little uncomfortable so veterans don’t have to be homeless anymore,” said Andrae Bailey, CEO of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness.
Bailey said one key component of this will be enticing landlords to get involved. They place a critical role in providing long-term housing once veterans are identified.
The Veterans Affairs Department has 90 percent funding for the initiative. And with the collorbative effort, with Central Florida Commission on Homelessness at the helm, organizers are confident they can make a meaningful impact.
“This initiative is about coming together and getting the help and getting the hope to those who have served our country,” Bailey said.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the plan follows successful models in Houston, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Miam.