Source’s efforts give hope to ‘Hidden Faces’ of homelessness

Unless it’s to complain about them, people often pass by homeless people without giving them a first, let alone a second, glance. The Source, a Christian-based nonprofit that addresses the needs of the homeless and poor, faced the issue head-on at its Hidden Faces event at the Heritage Center.

As they dined on a huge assortment of savory and sweet fare prepared and served by Dignity Catering and Dignity Culinary Training staff and students, the standing-room-only crowd met and mingled with people who are turning their lives around through the Source. Around the room were posters with the faces of individuals who trusted the process and now are living better lives.

Crediting the success of the organization to staff, board members, volunteers and donors, Anthony Zorbaugh, executive director, said they are assisting people in need through innovative approaches.

One approach, their Dignity Bus – the first mobile homeless shelter in the country – is quite literally being taken on the road. In addition to the two buses in this county (a total of 36 beds), they retrofitted and sold a third bus to Woonsocket R.I., another to Kennedy County, Ill., and are in talks with other cities.

“This has been an amazing, amazing project,” said Zorbaugh. Explaining that the buses now help fund their programs, he introduced some of the Source members who build and maintain them.

Mayor John Cotugno spoke about Community Works, a cooperative initiative between the Source, City of Vero Beach and Vero Beach Police Department to revitalize and “bring the sparkle back” to Pocahontas Park, the “jewel of downtown.”

Cotugno explained that “members of the Source are paid by the Source to clean the area up,” stressing that those now dealing with the issue were once considered the issue.

“These guys and ladies are out there three times a week, every single week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, just trying to make this their community,” said Zorbaugh, introducing and thanking the crew for their efforts.

Retired prosthodontist Dr. Thomas Balshi and wife Joanne spoke about Dignity Smiles, which is giving self-confidence back to Source members by providing them with free dental restoration.

“The gift of a new smile is right up there with putting a roof over one’s head,” said Dr. Balshi, adding that the program now has a wealth of dental practitioners he can call on to provide services, depending on the patient’s needs.

A new Dignity Wellness program, funded by a 2023 Impact 100 grant, provides mental health counseling to members as well as staff, said Zorbaugh, because “what they see on a daily basis is tough. It is so hard, and we need to be able to process that.”

“It teaches you, just like CPR first aid, how to handle situations or individuals who might be experiencing a mental health challenge,” said Charlene Morris, the Source’s mental health counselor. She explained that staff and volunteers are taught about signs and symptoms and ways to diffuse a situation. The training is also available to the community at large.

To close out the evening, a short documentary highlighted the stories of three individuals, who shared how they became homeless and how the Source helped them regain control of their lives.

One became homeless after losing his job during the pandemic and then his home, suddenly “becoming a pariah.” After finding the Source, he is now being paid to work on the Dignity Bus.

Another struggled with addiction, lost her job and, after being incarcerated, went to the Source to complete community service hours. Now almost four years sober, she has a full-time job at the Source and, because of her background, said she can easily relate to others who enter their doors.

The third was employed as an electrician until his back gave out, and he couldn’t afford the medical bills. Until it happened to him, he, like many others, wondered how anyone could become homeless. After finding the Source, he began doing odd jobs there before becoming a supervisor with Community Works.

“Everybody at the Source can help you – if you want help,” he said. “You’ve got to want to help yourself.”

“So, ladies and gentlemen, please give a big standing ovation for my ‘hidden faces,’” said Zorbaugh, raising the screen to introduce the documentary’s three speakers.

For more information, visit IAmTheSource.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis