Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida to Break Ground on New Center for Women and Families

Orange County, FL. - On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, U.S. Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County District 6 Commissioner Michael "Mike" Scott, and City of Orlando District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose, will join the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida to break ground on the Foundations Project, a capital initiative led by the Coalition to build a new Center for Women and Families.

The Foundations Project will bring housing, healthcare, and supportive services together under one roof, providing access to coordinated wraparound care in a safe, thoughtfully designed environment by creating pathways from crisis to stability for women and families experiencing homelessness.

The new Center for Women and Families is supported by a $19.5 million investment from Orange County through federal community development, disaster recovery, and emergency solutions grant programs; a $10 million investment from the City of Orlando through the Accelerate Orlando initiative; and additional federal grants and community partnerships.

Spanning more than 105,000 square feet, the facility is expected to expand the Coalition's service capacity by 40 to 50 percent. Plans include 112 additional short-term residential beds, an on-site health clinic, expanded meal service, childcare and youth programs, and more than 20 bridge housing units with more than 75 beds.

WHEN:
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
10:30 a.m.
Media should arrive by 9:45 a.m.

WHERE:
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
18 North Terry Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801

WHO:

• Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost
• Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
• Orange County District 6 Commissioner Michael "Mike" Scott
• City of Orlando District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose
• Dr. Amy Donley, Chair - Board of Directors, The Coalition
• Brad Butterstein, President/CEO, The Coalition
• AdventHealth, community partner
• DeAngelis Diamond, Foundations Project contractor

MEDIA INFORMATION:
Media planning to attend the event should RSVP to Dr. Leon Kirkpatrick at [email protected] or by phone at 407-927-0860.

Media parking will be available at Inter.co Stadium at 22 South Terry Avenue. There is a one-block distance between the parking area and the event; therefore, media carts are encouraged. The site is an active construction zone, so please plan accordingly, including wearing closed-toed, flat shoes to the event.

COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES:
Photo and video opportunities during the ceremonial groundbreaking, along with remarks from Coalition leadership, elected officials, and project partners about the new Center for Women and Families and its impact on the community.