Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings/Homeless Services Network of CF/ The State of Black Men’s Health

A new Fox poll shows that President Joe Biden is now 4 points behind Donald Trump here in the State of Florida. Mayor Demings pointed out that polls can be arbitrary indicators and provide a momentary glimpse. What is most important is to continue to look at what the President has done thus far and to make sure that communities throughout Florida vote in the upcoming elections. Recent census finds there is not only an uptick in residents without shelter, but that many are youth. This means that the number of Central Florida residents living in their cars, in the woods and on the streets has doubled over the past year. We spoke with Aja Hunter of the Homeless Services Network, and Van Carter, Landlord specialist with experience in Affordable and Conventional Housing. Aja Hunter introduced us to “Brighter Days”, a year ago and came back to say how much they’ve grown. They now have a youth homelessness community initiative that provides housing assistance, street outreach, drop-in centers, and more. HSN, using the newest figures from the region’s Point-in-Time Count (PIT Count) which is a federally mandated census, submitted that info to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They were able to increase their numbers of apartments available to low income and unsheltered people. They have also increased their number of services and beds available for youth who are unsheltered from 70 to 250 beds and they are available now. If you are in need of housing or other wraparound services contact them at www.hsncfl.org/help or call 211. There are drop in centers available at 808 W. Central Blvd 9-5 or at Covenant House 711 N. Magnolia Avenue June is National Men’s Health Month and we spoke with Dr. Ademola Adewale about the “State of Black Men’s Health.” Dr. A is the President of the Medical Staff at AdventHealth and the emergency medicine head physician. Dr. Adewale talks about the importance of men’s health and seeking health resources even when uncomfortable. He emphasizes that prevention is very important through having a healthy heart, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. Visit https://www.platinummenshealth.com/menshealthsummit to participate in Dr. Adewale’s Men’s Health Summit. Hosted by Monica May, June 29th Men’s Health Brunch; 11 am to 2 pm at the Heart of West Lakes. It is open to men 18 and up