OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County doesn’t have a homeless shelter, and now it looks like a new one in Kissimmee won’t be coming anytime soon.
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The city had planned to use almost $10 million in CARES Act money to rebuild services leaders say are desperately needed. But now, they’re starting over again.
The city of Kissimmee asked a committee to come up with requirements and to pick candidates that would be a good fit to address homelessness in the county.
READ: Seminole County commissioners to approve nearly $3 million to help homeless shelter
Three proposals came in: one from the Church and Community Assistance program that asked for $9.6 million for 50 tiny homes, and another $3 million for services at a central hub.
Then, Ability Housing wanted the $9.6 million for a shelter and bridge program for three years along with the services.
A motion was made to pick The Salvation Army, which would continue to operate in Osceola County and enhance services at a new center.
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But last week, the commission decided not to take any of the proposals, including The Salvation Army.
Instead, the council decided in a 3-2 vote to develop a plan to construct a city-owned facility after Commissioner Jim Fisher said they should start over. There’s no word yet on a timeline for that city project.
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