The Source took its supporters on a wild ride at its recent fundraising and awareness event at the Holy Cross Church Parish Hall, with an evening that embraced the theme Into The Future … Eradicating Homelessness.
The atmosphere was electric as guests arrived adorned in neon and ’80s attire, in a nod to the film “Back to the Future,” and the roar of a DeLorean engine announced the intent of the nonprofit to serve as a community rooted in hope, courage and action.
While the entry was lined with poignant photographs of their Faces of Hope, showing the realities of what homelessness looks like today, organizers decided to look instead into a future where homelessness has been eradicated and every person has a safe place to call home.
“For years, many of you joined us for an evening called Night of Hope. It was a night built on belief and hope that we could receive the support needed to serve our neighbors well. Hope that change was possible. Hope that our community would rise to meet the challenge of homelessness,” said Jade Alexander, director of operations.
“Tonight is a little different. We are no longer silently hoping for impact. We are witnessing it. We are building it,” she added.
Attendees enjoyed taking a nostalgic trip back to the ’80s amid iconic memorabilia, ice sculptures, cassette tapes, and boomboxes of a bygone era. While sipping a specialty-curated Power of Love cocktail, they nibbled on an impressive array of small bites from Dignity Catering, showcasing how culinary excellence can be a vehicle for social change.
Actor Jeffrey Weissman, known for his role as George McFly in “Back to the Future II” and “Back to the Future III,” was the keynote speaker.
And, while he shared memories of working with Michael J. Fox and the “Back to the Future” cast, and showed clips from some of his more than 80 roles in film and television, his message was firmly grounded in the present.
Weissman, who has portrayed characters facing housing instability on screen and has faced his own struggles in the industry, said he was visibly moved by the strides the Source has made in Indian River County.
“This program is a model for the world,” he said.
He added that while movies use a fantasy technique to create emotion, his emotions were real, having been “just shy of being homeless a couple of times.”
Proffering Michael J. Fox as an example of resilience, Weissman stressed the importance of persevering through challenges and fighting back when the “tidal wave of life” gives you a bad deal.
Tony Zorbaugh, the Source executive director, shared updates on recent projects, including the delivery of Dignity Bus number eight, which recently launched in St. Croix. The buses are built by Source clients who have transitioned out of homelessness, and serve as mobile units of dignity, providing others a safe place to sleep. This new one even has a kitchen, shower and laundry.
“No one should be forced to sleep outside. No one should have to choose between safety and survival. No one should be invisible. Homelessness is not who people are,” said Zorbaugh.
Zorbaugh reminded everyone that while he’s heard in the past that homelessness was inevitable, they are moving beyond hope.
“We are on a path to eradicate homelessness here in Vero Beach in the next 36 months by providing community for every single person that is struggling. So, in the future, we’re choosing to build it,” said Zorbaugh.
“Homelessness in our community is not a permanent condition. A better future doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people decide the story can change.”
For more information, visit IAmTheSource.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
