Brevard County officials have confirmed that the county is on track to receive $5 million in new funding aimed at expanding shelter services for residents in need. The allocation, which comes as part of a broader state initiative to address homelessness, will be distributed over the next two years. County Administrator Jane Doe said the funds will be used to renovate existing shelters and open new facilities in areas with the highest need. "This is a critical step toward ensuring everyone in our community has access to safe, stable housing," Doe said during a press conference Thursday. The funding will also support outreach programs and partnerships with local nonprofits. According to the Brevard County Homelessness Task Force, the number of unsheltered individuals in the county has increased by 18% since 2022, with the highest concentrations in Cocoa and Palm Bay. The new shelters are expected to open by late 2025, with construction beginning in the first quarter of next year. Local advocates have praised the move, though some have called for additional measures to address the root causes of homelessness. "More funding is necessary, but this is a start," said Marcus Lee, director of the Brevard Outreach Coalition. The county will host a public forum on the funding plan next month.