A nonprofit organization that provides safe housing to youth experiencing homelessness will stop offering housing services at its sole location in Orlando later this summer.
Covenant House Florida, which is located at 5931 E Colonial Drive in Orlando, will cease its housing services on July 28, according to a statement issued by Chief Development Officer Petula Sankaringh.
“Covenant House Florida has made the difficult decision to close its emergency residential shelter due to financial considerations,” reads the statement.
The organization says it will still “continue serving young people experiencing homelessness in Orlando” by providing other critical outreach, workforce, and supportive housing services.
Beginning this month, the organization will start “phasing out emergency shelter services,” which is the only program closing in Orlando.
“After July 28, 2023, Covenant House Florida will no longer provide emergency shelter services. Instead, Covenant House Florida will dedicate its resources towards providing community services including food/hygiene, case management, education, career navigation, crisis counseling, linkage & referral, street outreach, and transitional housing,” reads the statement.
Sankaringh says the transition will allow the organization to “make the most impact in the community and continue supporting youth” through its supportive services and transitional housing programs.
Although the national organization was founded in 1972, Covenant House Florida was founded in 1983, with its first location in Fort Lauderdale. In 1995, the Orlando location opened its doors and in 2000, a second residential crisis shelter was opened.
For more information on the organization or its services, visit the Covenant House Florida website.