The Source Recognizes March as National Sleep Awareness Month Through Their Dignity Bus Initiative

Sleep is one of the most basic human needs, yet it is often one of the first things lost when someone experiences homelessness.

Without a safe and stable place to rest, many individuals spend nights trying to stay awake enough to remain safe. When the body is deprived of sleep, the effects reach far beyond simple exhaustion, as it plays a critical role in emotional regulation, memory focus, and overall mental health.

The Importance of Rest and Stability

This is one of the reasons The Source’s Dignity Bus Initiative is so important. By providing a safe overnight environment, individuals experiencing homelessness are able to sleep with a sense of security and structure and wake up refreshed and better prepared to take part in a more dignified life.

The Source is a Christian social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service for the homeless in Indian River County through a myriad of core programs and services that instill a sense of dignity.

The Beginning of the Dignity Bus Initiative

One such program is the Dignity Bus Initiative, which began in Vero Beach, FL in 2021, during the peak of the Pandemic.

The Source created a unique way to get people off of the streets and into beds for a safe and secure night’s sleep. It turned out that the idea of utilizing a temporary “bed on wheels,” named Dignity Bus, has essentially changed the future for the homeless and has become a blueprint for success for the communities who are operating one.

It’s meant to be a temporary resolve, but experience has proven what a bold action looks like, and when done correctly, it totally changes and transforms people’s lives for the better.

Growing Across Communities

The new St. Croix Bus at the time of delivery. Pictured are “The Bus Builders” from The Source in St. Croix flanking Peter Abraham and Winnie Testamark of the St. Croix Board of Corrections, who are operating the vehicle.

Dignity Buses have found homes not only in Vero Beach, FL (with two operational each night of the week), but also in Brevard County, FL; Rhode Island; Illinois; and two in Orlando, with the newest and the most complete version now located and operational in St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands.

The 9th community we will be serving is to be located in Broward County, FL with a Dignity Bus delivery and training in April. Conversations are currently ongoing in two other Florida communities, in addition to a possible second bus for the USVI and also with a community in California.

The word has spread throughout the country and beyond, with ongoing interest being received on a regular basis.

How the Dignity Bus Works

While each Dignity Bus offers a basic plan, each community has varied needs, and The Source customizes the conversion from a retired 45 foot motor coach into the finished version.

Once the customization begins in Vero Beach, the team of “Bus Builders,” all with previous experience under their belts, make the requested modifications.

The basic plan includes a climate-controlled interior with 18 private beds positioned like bunk beds on either side of a middle aisle, shoe storage, lockable doors, an HVAC system, pet storage, shoe storage, bathroom facility, and all bedding, just to mention some of the basic options.

Some customizations available could include a private shower and sink, a refrigerator and freezer, under Bus washer and dryer, and a flip-out grill for cooking, complete with utensils and heating for colder climates. Several buses have been obtained that offer handicapped access.

A Simple Step That Changes Lives

Sometimes the most powerful step toward change begins with something simple...a safe place to sleep.

The Source and their Dignity Bus initiative are all that and more. The Source provides a range of Dignity Programs, essential assistance, including restaurant-style hot meals, clothing provisions, counseling services, support groups, hygiene amenities, access to showers, mail and telephone facilities, and referrals for benefits through core programs and services that instill a sense of community.

Contact Information

To contact Anthony Zorbaugh via email, tony.zorbaugh@iamthesource.org or call 772-564-0202. Visit www.iamthesource.org for more information.