New Orlando center aims to expand shelter, services for homeless women and families

A new center for women and families experiencing homelessness is in the works in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood, with plans to expand shelter capacity and provide additional services, including an on-site medical clinic.The Coalition for the Homeless is preparing the site along North Terry Avenue for a six-story, 105,000-square-foot facility. The $19 million project will replace the organization’s existing facility, which is about 75 years old.Leon Kirkpatrick of the Coalition for the Homeless said the new center is expected to increase the organization’s impact in the community.“It will help us expand our program by 40 to 50 percent on how we will impact the community,” Kirkpatrick said.The facility is expected to add hundreds of beds and provide temporary housing for women and families experiencing homelessness. Plans also include transitional housing, which can help people move from emergency shelter toward more stable living arrangements.[WATCH: Christian Service Center renovatio