Those who were impacted by the Pulse nightclub shooting now have a place to go to gain information and support.

  • Orlando United Assistance Center located at 507 E. Michigan St.
  • Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
  • Call 407-500-HOPE (4673) or they can go to cityoforlando.net/hope

"The victims go much beyond those who were there that night, a woman who is eight months pregnant and the person who was going to watch her child for her for free is now deceased and she needs to find immediate child care because she can't afford child care on her own," said Kathy DeVault, the director of strategic partnerships for the city of Orlando. "So, being able to connect her with child care services so that she doesn't have to worry about that when she goes into labor."

The city of Orlando and Orange County on Thursday officially opened the Orlando United Assistance Center, located at 507 E. Michigan St., in Orlando.

City leaders said they have helped about 1,000 people and 300 families are previous family assistance locations.

Handmade cards are one of the things at the Orlando United Assistance Center. They are located in a basket in the children's play room, a place where children who are affected by the Pulse tragedy can feel safe.

"That's what really this center is all about — is helping individuals and your community at large get back to normal," said Tara Hughes, with the American Red Cross.

"We're united. We're Orlando. We're strong, we're proud. We're together and we're healing," Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said.

The OneOrlando Fund has raised approximately $9 million for families and victims.

 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer wants victims' families to know that help is on the way. 

"I would say you can measure it in days and not months, weeks perhaps," Dyer said.

The Orlando United Assistance Center has partnerships with 35 agencies, helping those in need with everything from emergency travel visas to the process of receiving Social Security benefits of their loved ones.

"The city of Orlando in partnership with Orange County Government has opened the Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC) to serve as a navigation point and access the needs, provide information, support and resources to those directly affected by the Pulse tragedy," officials said in a press release.

Added Dyer: "We will stay open as long as there is a need, and I anticipate that will not be measured in days or months, it will be measured in years."

People can schedule an appointment by calling 407-500-HOPE (4673) or they can go to cityoforlando.net/hope.

  • Hours of operation:
    • 3-8 p.m. Friday, June 24
  • Regular hours of operation beginning Monday, June 27:
    • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday