Find alternatives to calling the Orlando Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
Coming soon.
LGBTQ+
- Zebra Coalition*
- Zebra Coalition is an LGBTQ+ Center for youth ages 13-24. They offer counseling services and housing assistance.
- Drop in hours from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday
- 911 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
- (407) 228-1446 (Option 2 for the youth center)
- https://zebrayouth.org/
- *Please note this is not an emergency hotline, but a safe space for youth to go on a walk-in basis
Mental Health
- Devereaux Advanced Behavioral Health – Mobile Crisis Services
- Mobile Crisis Services are available to anyone ages 0 – 24 located in Orange, Osceola or Seminole County at the time of crisis. Master level and licensed therapists will respond to homes, schools or anywhere within the tri-county community, within 60 minutes to provide immediate on-site crisis stabilization. Crisis therapists also connect families to the services and supports they need for long-term recovery.
- Free, 24/7 access to services
- (407) 839-HELP or dial 2-1-1 and press 1 for the crisis line
- Text 898-211 your zip code and type ‘requesting mobile crisis’
- Chat at www.HFUW.org
- https://www.devereux.org/site/SPageNavigator/fl_mobile_crisis_services.html
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Lifeboat Project
- As one of Central Florida’s leading providers of long-term residential services for survivors of human trafficking, The Lifeboat Project utilizes the housing-first approach to care. The housing-first model emphasizes low barriers and fewer restrictions to entry, such as sobriety, treatment, or service participation requirements for housing. Offers supportive services, transitional housing.
- (407) 310-8905
- http://www.thelifeboatproject.org/
- Victim Service Center of Central Florida
- VSC provides around the clock support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through the 24-Hour Sexual Assault Helpline, you will be in immediate contact with a Sexual Assault Counselor who can provide crisis intervention, service options, and information on sexual assault.
- 24/7 Helpline: (407) 500-HEAL (4325)
- https://www.victimservicecenter.org/get-help/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
- Florida Abuse Hotline
- 24-Hour statewide hotline to report child abuse
- 1 (800) 96-ABUSE (22873)
- Zebra Coalition*
- Zebra Coalition is an LGBTQ+ Center for youth ages 13-24. They offer counseling services and housing assistance.
- Drop in hours from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday
- 911 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
- (407) 228-1446 (Option 2 for the youth center)
- https://zebrayouth.org/
- *Please note this is not an emergency hotline, but a safe space for youth to go on a walk-in basis
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
Coming soon.
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Orlando Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.