New Program Tackles Homeless Problem In Tourist Mecca

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Officials in a Florida tourist mecca have launched a program to end homelessness for thousands of children.

Officials in Orange and Osceola counties on Friday launched the Impact Families program. WFTV in Orlando reports that the goal of the program is to end homelessness for 10,000 children in metro Orlando. The program brings together a coalition of nonprofit groups that will evaluate homeless families and assess their needs.

The families will then be given emergency housing. Parents will get job training and help in finding a job. Eventually, the families will be given help finding permanent housing.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs says if the problem of homeless children isn’t addressed it will create generations of poverty and homelessness.