The city of Orlando rolled out a new set of Downtown Ambassadors that have been specially trained with an emphasis on safety and homelessness in downtown.
The newly trained recruits of the Downtown Ambassador Program hit the streets in downtown Orlando this week, according to a statement issued by city officials on Monday.
Comprised of 22 individuals, the new group will provide information on resource distribution, family reunification, and recording data on the city’s growing homeless population.
The ambassadors will all don bright blue shirts and will be available to provide information and services to visitors and downtown workers.
In addition to the aforementioned services, downtown ambassadors will be able to specialize in helping those experiencing homelessness by providing immediate critical social services, including shelter, identification, and counseling, as well as supplies and information.
The ambassadors will also be able to assist the homeless in reconnecting them with friends and family by providing transportation through bus tickets, train tickets, or other immediate modes of transportation.
All ambassadors will use the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) integrated with the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida to help record each encounter and match the individuals’ needs with resources to provide a continuum of care.
Established in 2018, the Downtown Ambassador Program is in the midst of its fifth year of operation and was developed as a result of the DTOutlook Plan.
According to city officials, ambassadors will also serve as additional eyes and ears for Orlando Police and Fire Departments and the Health Care Center for the Homeless HOPE Team. The team will also serve as an extension of the Downtown Clean Team to ensure downtown cleanliness.
Downtown Ambassadors will patrol the area by foot and on bikes seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to help meet the needs of visitors, workers, and the homeless.
Anyone in need of the services offered by the program is asked to call or text 407-902-4374.