A BIT ABOUT US

🚀 Leading the Fight for Housing Equity

Founded by Daniel Kind, a nationally recognized advocate for housing justice, the Orlando Secure Housing Project (OSHOP) is working at the forefront of Orlando’s housing crisis. We believe that every person deserves stability, security, and dignity. Since our founding in 2017, we have been guided by three core values:

✔ Support – Providing direct relief to families in housing distress.
✔ Empowerment – Educating communities about their housing rights.
✔ Progress – Driving systemic change through policy advocacy.

🕊 Honoring a Friend, Building a Legacy

In 2017, a tragic event deeply shaped Daniel’s mission and became the catalyst for OSHOP. Daniel’s friend and youth football teammate, 13-year-old Marcees Kilpatrick, lost his life while crossing train tracks in Sanford’s Goldsboro neighborhood—a path frequently used by students. Marcees was walking his bicycle when he was struck by a SunRail train. This heartbreaking loss underscored the urgent need for safe infrastructure, secure housing, and equitable community investment—a mission Daniel has pursued ever since.

✚ Strengthening the Connection Between Housing and Health

After founding OSHOP, Daniel Kind expanded his dedication to serving vulnerable populations by becoming an EMT, gaining firsthand experience in emergency care and crisis response.

On the front lines, he witnessed how housing insecurity and medical emergencies are deeply intertwined. Many patients experiencing homelessness suffered from preventable health issues—chronic illnesses, infections, and exposure-related conditions—all made worse by the lack of stable shelter.

These experiences reinforced a critical truth: housing security isn’t just about having a roof over your head—it’s a public health necessity. At OSHOP, we continue to fight for systemic solutions that address both housing and health, ensuring that no one is left without a place to call home.

🔨 Expanding Housing Expertise Through Construction & Policy Analysis

Daniel Kind deepened his expertise in housing development and affordability by working in construction and housing at ODC Construction, the largest shell contractor in the Southeast for production homebuilders. This experience gave him a firsthand understanding of the complexities behind building, financing, and regulating housing, allowing him to approach OSHOP’s mission with both practical and policy-driven solutions.. His work reinforced a key lesson: building homes is only part of the solution—policy and advocacy are essential to ensuring housing remains accessible for all.

Today, OSHOP applies this knowledge to push for smarter housing policies, support sustainable development, and advocate for solutions that make stable housing the norm—not the exception.

🧭 From Advocacy to Action – OSHOP's Impact

✔ Preventing Housing Displacement

Direct Support for Families: Offering financial aid and resources to prevent eviction and displacement.

✔ Empowering the Next Generation of Housing Advocates

Through hands-on policy workshops, mentorship programs, and leadership training, OSHOP equips young advocates with the tools to drive change.

✔ Driving Systemic Change in Housing Policy

Turning Research into Real Impact: OSHOP’s data-driven advocacy has helped shape multimillion-dollar housing initiatives, ensuring long-term affordability and tenant protections.

📈 Data-Driven Solutions for Real Change

✔ Our research on the link between housing shortages and rising homelessness is now used in official policy recommendations by the Orlando Union Rescue Mission.

✔ Our advocacy has helped secure major city-level funding, ensuring long-term solutions for Orlando’s most vulnerable populations.

Join Us in Building a More Just Orlando

At OSHOP, we believe that no child should have to navigate unsafe environments due to housing insecurity. Our work ensures that families have stable homes, safer communities, and brighter futures.

Want to be part of the solution? Learn more about our mission and how you can make an impact.