The number of homeless women and children is increasing at an alarming rate in Central Florida.
The Salvation Army said because there's a limit to the number of beds allowed for the homeless, they're running out of room.
Maj. Andrew Kelly said what's more, the Salvation Army is also running out of money. In fact, they're facing a 60 percent cut in government funding.
So who would be impacted? News 13 spoke with two young mothers who shared how they became part of that growing statistic.
Aziza Lindsey is a homeless mother of five.
Three of her children are staying with her at the Salvation Army Women's and Children Living Center in Orlando.
She shares her room with another family.
"People have failed me," Lindsey said. "Friends have failed me. Family has failed me, but God has always been there for me and brought me through."
Lindsey remembers as a child helping the homeless -- going to shelters and even prisons. She never imagined one day she would be the one needing help,
"I never, ever thought I'd be in this situation, ever," Lindsey said.
She said she recently became homeless, having chosen to leave an abusive relationship for the sake of her children.
"My children had witnessed a lot of that and again, I live for my children. I got out for them. It's wasn't even about me. It was for them," Lindsey said.
Now, she's trying to get back on her feet.
It's a story Kelly hears every day. He said last year they averaged 300 to 400 calls for shelter a week. This year, they get about 500 calls just for rent and utility assistance.
"We're able to help less than 10 percent of those people who call, and we need more finances so we can help more of them," Kelly said.
With major funding cuts and a citywide moratorium on extra beds for the homeless, Kelly worries this crisis will only grow.
Jacquia Mitchell is another young mother at the center.
Only 21 years old, Mitchell behaves older than her years. She's been on her own since she was 13, and is a mother of twin girls, with another baby on the way. She echoes Lindsey's answer on who she turns to for strength.
"I lean on God mostly because I really don't have anybody who I can talk to," Mitchell said. "I could lay in my bed and cuddle with my girls, but that's about it."
At 2 years old, Mitchell's twin daughters are too young to understand.
It's a blessing for Mitchell, who hopes to find a job and find a home.
"It is good for me and it's good for them so when they do remember, I'll have myself fully developed and have a lot for them," Mitchell said.
She has a quiet resolve. She said she doesn't cry, because what's the use?
Mitchell dreams of having a home for her children and their father. But what she's looking forward to the most is a moment to breath.
Lindsey, on the other hand, is bubbly and outgoing. You would never know she and her children once spent a week living under a bridge. Despite those dark days, she has a bright optimism about tomorrow -- a four bedroom home with a pool and a dog.
Kelly hopes both women, like the hundreds of others who come through those doors, will make it, but he said it will take more than miracle.
"I pray every day that the Lord will help us find ways to answer those problems, but we have to be in it for the long haul," Kelly said.
Kelly said they're facing a Catch-22 right now. Many of the people who normally donate to the Salvation Army can't afford to any more. Some even need help themselves.
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Homeless Teens talk to Teens who Pretend to be Homelessby pixelsnow427 views
abuse sucks
smedheat 5 months ago