Orlando halts plan for homeless shelter amid community opposition

Orlando has decided not to move forward with plans for a new homeless shelter on Kaley Avenue. This location was expected to provide much-needed shelter beds after Orange County banned camping on public property due to a new state law. The plan faced strong opposition from residents nearby, which led to the city's change of heart. Many community members protested the idea of having a shelter in their area, a phenomenon known as "not-in-my-backyard" or NIMBY. This decision raises concerns about how Central Florida will find new shelter options. The region already struggles to expand its resources for the homeless while balancing community opinions. Journalists, including Orlando Sentinel reporter Ryan Gillespie, discussed the shelter situation and the impact of the camping ban on WUCF-TV’s "NewsNight." They aim to explore solutions to the ongoing homelessness crisis in Central Florida.