Spectrum News spotlighted Samaritan Resource Center’s daily work at the heart of its coverage of Orange County’s proposed Goldenrod Village Housing Navigation Center, a planned $27 million, 150-bed facility near Goldenrod Road and East Colonial Drive. Alongside the county’s announcement, Executive Director Zeynep Portway spoke to the depth of need SRC sees firsthand, serving 80 to 100 neighbors each day and noting that the number of people seeking help has tripled over the past six years. Portway also highlighted how Florida’s public camping ban has destabilized many of SRC’s clients, forcing repeated displacement and making it harder to connect people to consistent support. The county hopes commissioners will approve the project by June or July, with an anticipated opening in 2028.

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THREE WAYS YOU CAN FLIP THE SCRIPT ON HOMELESSNESS

FOUR WAYS YOU CAN FLIP THE SCRIPT ON HOMELESSNESS

VOLUNTEER

Use your time and talents to make a difference.

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CONTRIBUTE

Your gift changes lives—93% supports the mission.

Click to find how you can help.

RESTOCK

Donate clothing, hygiene products, and essentials that restore dignity.

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DO YOU NEED HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP?

DO YOU NEED HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP?

Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) is a drop-in resource center serving individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in East Orange County.

As a faith-based organization, we provide compassionate, housing-focused support through case management, mental health counseling, healthcare, employment services, street outreach, and daily access to essential resources such as meals, clothing, showers, laundry, mail services and hygiene supplies—helping our neighbors take the next step toward stability and self-sufficiency.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call (407) 482-0600 or visit us at 9837 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32817 to learn more about our services.

The SRC is a faith-based volunteer operated resource center for those experiencing homelessness in East Orange County.

We are a drop-in center helping adult individuals get back on their feet through case management, mental health counseling, and basic life essentials such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact us at 407.482.0600 to get more details.