NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
FALL 2022: 7 7
POPULAR PROGRAM
“Brevard County is an excellent
fit for our expansion, enabling
us to replicate our successful
programs for those less fortunate
and in need,” Zorbaugh said.
“We’ve presented the Dignity
Bus concept to communities in
Miami, Michigan and even as
far away as Ireland and we are
currently producing a tool kit for
those who want to replicate our
plan. The Dignity Bus has been
trademarked and we might even
be producing buses for other
communities in the future.”
The buses park at an undisclosed
location from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
after making several pick up stops
for those registered for the night.
A fee of $2 per night is charged
to make passengers committed
and responsible. Overnight guests
must adhere to shelter guidelines
or they will be asked to leave.
Rose, a young woman who has
been a regular overnight guest on
the bus, credits The Source with
saving her life.
“I was on a dangerous path and
I’ve received the help and guidance
I needed from The Source,”
she said. “I work in The Source’s
kitchen and also stuffing Sic
Sacks for money to pay for the
bus and necessities. I know I can
get a good night’s sleep where
I’m safe and protected from bugs.
I hope to reconnect with family
soon and gain back their trust.”
Each Dignity Bus is very distinctively
wrapped with an image of
Christ welcoming his flock.
“You might notice that the
image of Christ is different on
each bus. That is because the
scriptures say that we are all
created in his image and our
buses will reflect that diversity,”
Zorbaugh explained.
“It also says Dignity Bus — a way
to the village. We have purchased
an 18-unit facility in Sebastian,
which is currently being
converted into Dignity Village
providing temporary housing
for individuals while they are on
their journey to moving on with
their life.
“The single greatest reason for
homelessness is a profound
catastrophic loss of family. Our
goal is to reconnect them with
a sense of community and give
them a purpose to change their
life,” Zorbaugh continued. “I
believe that everyone can live a
lifestyle of abundance and we are
here to help walk them through
the process. The Source becomes
their temporary family.”
DONATIONS WELCOMED
Each bus is funded by corporate
donors, investors and individuals
who give generous gifts to
subsidize the conversion of the
bus and operational expenses including
staffing, bedding, laundry,
air conditioning, maintenance,
insurance, security and gasoline.
Those costs run approximately
$120,000 per year. To help
subsidize the bus, individuals or
organizations can adopt a pod
for $3,000 a year or simply make
a general donation to the Palm
Bay or Vero Beach Dignity Bus
through The Source.
The Source operates from its outreach
facility at 1015 Commerce
Ave., Vero Beach, and is open seven
days a week. In addition to offering
life-changing possibilities
to residents in crisis, The Source
offers emergency hunger relief,
clothing, counseling, support
groups, hygiene items, showers,
mail and telephone services, benefit
referrals, and much more.
As first responders, The Source
helps provide critical care for
physical, spiritual, civic and social
needs. For more information on
The Source or the Dignity Bus,
please visit www.Iamthesource.
org or call 772.564.0202.
KERRY FIRTH
Aboard the bus, Rose selects her sleeping berth for the night.
KERRY FIRTH
Facility Manager JR Gonzales opens a baggage compartment where
Dignity Bus passengers can store their belongings.
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