GLAAD

In response to the recent tragedy in Orlando, new and existing services have emerged in an effort to help victims, survivors, and their families who have been directly impacted by the mass shooting. Below is a list of some of the services currently being provided to victims and their families:

The Victim Service Center

The Victim Service Center of Central Florida has created a Pulse Shooting Crisis Response Plan in alignment with it’s team’s mission to provide services and support for victims of crime. Appointments can be arranged with a Victim Advocate by calling 407-254-9415. Additionally, a 24/7 Crisis Hotline is available at 407-497-6701.

The Victim Service Center of Central Florida is also serving clients at their main office, located on 2111 East Michigan Street, Suite 210, from 8am-5pm. All services are free and confidential. Current services are available at the Camping World Stadium, formerly known as Orlando Citrus Bowl, located on 1610 West Church Street. Services are open to family members of the deceased, those suffering physical and emotional injuries, and others directly impacted by this tragedy. These services include: crisis counseling and emotional support, trauma and bereavement support, advocacy services, individual, family, couple, and group therapy, support groups, victim compensation filing and support, a 24/7 hotline, and bilingual services. For more information, visit the Victim Service Center of Central Florida’s website.
 

Somos Orlando

The Somos Orlando (or #SomosOrlando, which translate to “We Are Orlando”) offers a list of bilingual long-term services available to those who have been impacted by the Orlando mass-shooting. This website, written primarily in Spanish, seeks to provide support and solidarity with bilingual and non-English speaking victims and families. Launched by the Hispanic Federation, the goal of #SomosOrlando is to help Latino victims and families find legal, medical, and mental health resources in their own language. The list provided includes: Hispanic Family Counseling, Aspire Health working with Two Spirits/ Zebra Coalition, Carrousel Therapy Center, and Catholic Charities. Additionally, the website includes a list of days and times the Camping World Stadium in the City of Orlando will be open to provide assistance to Pulse survivors and families, as described above in the services offered by the Victim Service Center of Central Florida. The website goes on to include a list of transportation services, immigrant assistance, blood donation, funeral services, florist, legal assistance, and volunteer opportunities all catered to bilingual individuals. Visit the #SomosOrlando website to find the full lists and links to bilingual crisis support centers and organizations. 
 

Immigration Equality

Immigration Equality is partnering with the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association’s (AILA) Central and South Florida Chapters to launch “Immigrant Action Orlando,” a collaboration between pro bono immigration law practitioners in Florida and immigration Equality, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to LGBTQ immigrants’ rights.

Immigration Equality is opening its hotline to all survivors, and any immigrant in need of legal help can call 212-714-2904 or email [email protected]. Immigration Equality is reaching out to survivors of the Orlando tragedy who are possibly too afraid to come forward for immigration relief because they are undocumented. The Immigration Equality is seeking to make sure anyone in need of help is aware that Immigration equality is ready to help with free services available in both English and Spanish. After screening for possible immigration relief and other legal needs, survivors and family members will be connected with local attorneys through AILA’s Central and South Florida chapters.

GLAAD is on the ground in Orlando to support local LGBTQ advocates and organizations, including Equality Florida. We’re also working with media outlets across the world to share the stories of the victims, the majority of whom were Latinx. We’ll continue to keep you updated on the latest developments.