OneOrlando Funds Now Going Directly To Survivors, Victims' Families

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ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) -- Orlando officials are changing the way they will distribute money to the survivors and relatives of victims of the gay nightclub shooting that killed 49 people and injured 53 more.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a news conference Friday that after listening to the advice and input from others, they'll be giving the money from the OneOrlando fund directly to the survivors and relatives.

Previously, they had decided the money would be filtered to them through nonprofit agencies.

"It became very clear early on that there were families and individuals and victims that were in need and in need of compensation in a quick fashion," said Dyer. "People that didn't have groceries, didn't have rent money and there was a great need to distribute the money directly to victims."

Dyer says the fund has raised $7 million. He says 94 families and 256 people have visited the city's assistance center since it opened.

The mayor says the money will be dispersed to begin helping people with medical care, food, rent and other emergencies.

Several other funds have been established, including one set up by the owner of Pulse. Others have been set up by gay and Latin advocacy groups.

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