:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/IJBRTU6D2NEKPH6NESMLZQZ2QI.png "Central Florida Department forced to cut supplies as more homeless families reach out – WFTV")
Video: Central Florida Department forced to cut supplies as more homeless families reach out New homeless families blame skyrocketing rents for driving them away. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Sky-high rental prices are blamed for forcing families to take to the streets.
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Matthew’s Hope, a local ministry that helps the homeless and others in need, is seeing more families and older people living in cars and seeking help.
The additional need also puts more pressure on Matthew’s Hope resources.
With more people on the street, Matthew’s Hope needs to go out and provide service to more people.
The price of food and supplies is also rising, so they have been forced to cut back on some of the food they are able to distribute.
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“It’s just difficult. It’s hard. I’m old and fed up,” Lisa Dees said.
Dees said times are tough and she lives in the woods and on the streets.
“We are now seeing more and more people who live in cars being pushed onto the streets, and many are young families, seniors and people with disabilities,” said Pastor Scott Billue of Matthew’s Hope Ministries.
Billue said his organization is seeing more and more people seeking services at Winter Garden.
New homeless families blame skyrocketing rents for driving them away.
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“Rising rents, you know, very little affordable housing, fuel, literally fueling the rising cost of everything,” Billue said.
In April, Zillow released a report showing that in the Orlando area, rent has risen nearly 25% over the past year, the third highest increase in the country.
On top of that, Billue said rising food prices are weighing on supplies.
While they still offer meals, medical services and clothing, in their pantry, people who receive extra take-out food receive about 30% less than before.
See more in the video above.
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