The problem of affordable housing is complex and vast, but local experts gathered Monday to meet the issue head on.
The Central Florida Commission on Homelessness — a regional group focusing on chronic, veterans, and family homelessness — brought together local leaders to discuss the incentives and impediments to building affordable housing in the area.
A study in November by the United Way provided a glimpse are the larger picture when it comes to the affordable housing problem in Central Florida.
The study classifies Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties as "poor" when it comes to affordable housing.
People from all over Central Florida have been forced from their homes with nowhere to go and little money to make a move. They are small examples of a larger problem.
The issue is impacting families and about 6,000 children just in Orange County.
After the Eatonville-area motel shut down last year, Orange County leaders vowed to get legislation in place to put a dent in the problem.
One year later, the county plans to add 40 new permanent housing units for the chronically homeless and also plans to spend $1 million toward "Rapid Rehousing" — housing for families who become homeless after situations like what is currently happening at Blossom Park Apartments and the Home Suites.
More than 10,000 people are on the Orlando Housing Authority's waiting list for public housing.
At Monday's meeting, a lot of the focus was on the people who earn too much money to qualify for housing assistance programs but can't afford a deposit — which could include first month's rent and last month's rent.
For more information on the study, go here.