NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
“We’ve been at almost full capacity every night,” said Bruce Brosnahan,
70
president of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. “We have an aide
and a driver on the bus each night making sure there are no problems
and tending to their comfort. Every Friday we provide them
with mobile showers, haircuts and beard trims so they look presentable
for their job searches.”
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 Sac Motion Sickness Bags 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
Passengers join The Source employees, Robin Herow, third from
right, JR Gonzales, second from right, and Zorbaugh, kneeling,
before its nightly journey.
KERRY FIRTH
Facility Manager JR Gonzales opens a baggage compartment
where Dignity Bus passengers can store their belongings.
/www.Iamthesource.org
