No Veteran Left Behind

Last updated on June 15, 2023

We are proud that Orlando is home to thousands of veterans. They help strengthen our city in so many ways. It’s important that our community continues to thank our veterans for their service, bravery, and sacrifice by being there for them. This includes those struggling with homelessness. The number of people experiencing homelessness nationally and in Florida has been heightened by the impacts of the pandemic and a lack of affordable housing.

Last week, the city announced a $6.7 million federal grant provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to support the Central Florida Commission on Homeless' No Veteran Left Behind initiative. This funding will support our community’s Housing First philosophy by providing funds for rapid rehousing to quickly place veterans into a home. 

This initiative is also a reminder that those who are experiencing homelessness are not nameless, faceless people to be ignored. They are individuals, just like you and me, with their own struggles, and their own stories – like serving our country. They deserve compassion, respect, and a community that doesn’t give up on them. We are thankful to the many non-profit and regional local government agencies for their partnership to respond compassionately to our veteran community and all of those who are experiencing homelessness. The downtown Orlando ambassadors also have this goal in mind to humanize their experience and assist those experiencing homelessness with getting back on their feet.