An invitation to pay a visit to Dignity Village from Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source, to representatives of the Indian River Community Foundation, resulted in a new found relationship between the two organizations. A generous grant of $12,000 was recently awarded to The Source towards their affordable housing development nearly ready to be opened to those in need of a roof over their heads.
In December 2021, The Source purchased Pelican Cottages for $1.35 million. Since the purchase of the now named Dignity Village, rental units have been updated and renovated with funding from private and corporate foundations and through the generosity of community members. Indian River Community Foundation’s donation was awarded to fully renovate one of the cottages in Dignity Village.
Dignity Village will provide access to affordable housing for those who have the means to pay rent but are unable to find suitable resources in our community. Rental units include 4 efficiencies, 12 one-bedroom and 2 two-bedroom units and will rent monthly for $450, $500, and $650 respectively, with all utilities and furniture included. Also on property is a community room, outdoor kitchen, outdoor movie theatre, a chapel, and laundry facilities, all combined to bring a sense of belonging and community.
Additional Dignity Programs will be available at their outreach facility for renters in need of social services assistance, job training, or need to supplement their income through Dignity Jobs. The goal of Dignity Village is to provide safe and comfortable rental cottages for working individuals and families in Indian River County.
I am Ministries DBA The Source is a Christian social outreach ministry that has been empowering communities into a lifestyle of service for the homeless since 1995. Founded in Indian River County, the organization serves its homeless neighbors through core programs that include Dining with Dignity-a culinary employability training program, Dignity Catering and Dignity Food Trucks, Dignity Buses-mobile overnight emergency shelters sleeping nearly 40 nightly, Dignity Village-20 affordable housing units, as well as a myriad of programs and services that instill a sense of community. For more information on The Source and Dignity Village, contact Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh at 772-564-0202 or visit www.iamthesource.org.
Indian River Community Foundation’s discretionary grant making is aligned with a vision of a more healthy, prosperous, and generous Indian River County community. Grant making priorities are informed by the findings of the most recent community needs assessment and the most current data and information collected on Indian River Indicators. Grants from the Community Enrichment Fund are reviewed by a Grants Committee comprised of volunteers Suzanne Bertman, Pat Brier, Toni Hamner, Dale Jacobs, Wanda Lincoln, Dawn Michael, Angelia Perry, and Jennifer Watson. For more information contact 772-492-1407.
