ORLANDO, FL – The Samaritan Resource Center (SRC), in partnership with True Health, has launched a new Street Medicine program bringing primary and preventive healthcare directly to individuals experiencing homelessness in East Orlando. The initiative began its first rounds of outreach in October and is already filling a critical gap in care for some of the community’s most vulnerable neighbors.
Every week, SRC and True Health clinicians conduct on-site medical visits at encampments, parks, and other locations where individuals are living unsheltered. Services include basic medical care, wound treatment, screenings, and referrals for follow-up care. The partnership also connects individuals to SRC’s comprehensive wraparound supports such as showers, food, mental health counseling, housing navigation, and employment pathways.
“This project meets people exactly where they are — both physically and emotionally,” said Zeynep Portway, Executive Director of the Samaritan Resource Center. “Too many of our neighbors delay care until a crisis becomes unavoidable. With True Health by our side, we are able to bring compassionate, consistent medical support directly to them and build trust that leads to long-term healing and stability.”
“True Health is proud to partner with SRC and expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive care for individuals who often face the greatest barriers,” said Dr. Karenna Senors, Chief Medical Officer for True Health. “For those individuals who need more complex care, we will work to transport those patients to one of our True Health locations to continue care. Street Medicine has been proven to reduce hospital admission rates, so this initiative is a meaningful step toward improving health outcomes and addressing inequities in our community.”
The need is urgent. Last year, SRC served more than 2,000 individuals, including families with children and seniors. Many lack reliable access to transportation, health insurance, or regular medical providers—making on-the-ground outreach essential for early detection, chronic care management, and injury prevention.
The Street Medicine initiative is also strengthening collaborative care across the region. By linking medical providers with case managers, housing navigators, and mental health partners, the program ensures individuals receive coordinated support that treats the whole person.
SRC launched the program as part of its broader commitment to build safe, healthy, and hope-driven pathways out of homelessness in East Orlando. The organization continues to seek funding and community partners to sustain and expand the Street Medicine project in 2026.
About the Samaritan Resource Center:
Samaritan Resource Center is a faith-grounded nonprofit serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness in East Orange County. SRC provides day services, case management, mental health support, housing navigation, employment training, and community outreach to help neighbors stabilize, rebuild, and thrive.
About True Health:
True Health is a private, not-for-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving uninsured and underinsured residents of the Central Florida community since 1977. Our mission is to provide high quality, comprehensive healthcare at a reasonable cost to everyone. Please visit our website at www.mytruehealth.org.
For More Information Contact:
Samaritan Resource Center
Attn: Zeynep Portway
Phone: 407-430-3022
Email: zeynep@samaritanresourcecenter.org
Website: www.samaritanresourcecenter.org
True Health
Attn: Ashley Baker
Phone: 407-322-8645 ext. 1156
Email: Ashley.baker@mytruehealth.org
Website: www.mytruehealth.org
