Tami Tran, the Mayor of Kaysville, Utah, along with her husband Lee, enjoyed a restful cruise from Miami in July and coupled their Florida trip with a drive to Vero Beach to see what the Dignity Bus was all about.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law in March, 2021, provides $350 billion in relief to states and local governments to combat the continued impact of the COVID – 19 pandemic. In an effort to use this funding prior to any government enforced deadlines, Mayor Tran, representing her Utah community, heard about Dignity Bus as a means to temporarily house unsheltered individuals. In her eagerness to propose the ARPA money be used to helping the homeless population in her city, as well as those nearby cities, prompted her visit to Vero Beach.
The Chans joined Source administration and staff at their Commerce Avenue Campus to tour Dignity Bus and find out all the information necessary to take home with them. In addition they had the opportunity to see The Source at work, during lunch for their members, seeing how The Sources’ job opportunities operate as well as learn about the general services and programs offered to The Source’s members. Their day progressed with a visit to Dignity Village offering 18 one and two bedroom cottages for rent by those in need for affordable housing, and ultimately ended with a luncheon at a nearby waterfront restaurant in Sebastian. Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno acted as the Source Ambassador for the day, exchanging information about Vero Beach with the Chans and learning information about Kaysville, Utah.
The Source is currently expanding the Dignity Bus initiative from two existing buses to three, all in operation for Indian River County homeless. The three combined total to 55 people having the opportunity to sleep off the streets, with a roof over their heads, in as safe and secure location, every night of the week, all year round.
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 and services that instill a sense of community. For more information on The Source and Dignity Bus, contact Executive Director Anthony Zorbaugh, or Development Director Jonathan Orozco at 772-564-0202, or visit www.iamthesource.org.