Toolkit first proof

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SOURCE “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” - Genesis 2:15 When you begin reading through our “Dignity Bus Toolkit 101,” you will find out why we began our journey to develop a mobile overnight shelter, utilizing the concept of a mobile bus, came to be and how, through some basic thinking, strong research, building partnerships, and the love of humanity allowed us to achieve what we have accomplished.

In 2020, just prior to the Pandemic, the team at The Source, A Christian Ministry for the homeless and poor in Indian River County, Florida, was actively seeking ways to help create an effective solution for comfortable and secure overnight shelter for our society’s most vulnerable people.

The origin of the name Dignity Bus was borne out of our belief that helping the homeless and the poor in our community to become dignified in their life, one program at a time, would eventually lead them on the path to get back on their own two feet.

I hope our new partnership in which we will share our hard earned lessons and experiences broken down in this Toolkit, will help to guide your path, your journey, your goal, just as it did for us!

Good luck,

Anthony Zorbaugh

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE’RE COMING FROM The Source, A Christian Ministry, began in 1995 originally serving the needy by offering free meals and Bible Study in a tiny 600 sq. ft. space. It has since grown into a comprehensive 5,000 sq. ft. outreach center open seven days a week, addressing the complex needs of the poor and homeless in Indian River County, Florida. Today, we have 1,600 members in our Ministry, who have finished, or are currently working on, rebuilding their lives through a myriad of our programs and services.

Our purpose is to offer life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis: families struggling to pay bills, single parents living paycheck to paycheck, or individuals who have lost their homes, hope, and their peace of mind. Some are sleeping in their cars. Some are living in tents. As first responders, The Source helps provide critical care for physical, spiritual, civic, and social needs to

help individuals live in dignity. We maintain that one overnight sleep in the Dignity Bus will help people leave feeling much better than when they arrived. We call this Dignity…the unexpected level of care that restores Dignity…that rekindles hope and optimism and fuels the sense of opportunity vital to stopping the vicious cycle of homelessness.

In addition to the Dignity Bus, please visit our website for more information on our organization:www.Iamthesource.org

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

THE DIGNITY BUS TOOLKIT

The Introduction and The Facts You are among a large group of people from near and far who have told us they also wish to start their own Mobile Overnight Shelter. We have heard from agencies as far away as Canada, California and the Mid-West, and local entrepreneurs in the cities of West Palm Beach, Fl, and Miami Beach, FL as well as Palm Bay, FL where we launched our second Dignity Bus in February, 2022. We are surprised, yet excited and inspired, to learn that the news of our concept of a Mobile Overnight Shelter, designed for the homeless, is spreading throughout the country!

Amidst a global shortage of housing, and a marked decrease in the availability of suitable housing, communities are creatively thinking outside the box to expand on proper sleeping accommodations for those who are in need. With this Toolkit, we will describe to you the details of our own experience and help guide you through the process! We may be the first in the country to reveal this new means of overnight shelter, but we know…we are not the last!

FACT: “On a single night in 2021, roughly 553,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States. Nearly 60% were staying in sheltered locations— emergency shelters or transitional housing programs— and more than 40% were in unsheltered locations such as on the street, in abandoned buildings, or in other places not suitable for human habitation.”

SOURCE: 2021 Housing Urban Development report

FACT: Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being. Getting enough quality sleep can help protect a person’s mental and physical health, and ultimately their safety. For those sleeping rough, getting a good night’s sleep is virtually impossible and can contribute to longterm homelessness and more, including low self-esteem, social isolation, and the exacerbation or development of specific mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. On-going sleep deficiency can raise the risk for some chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart health, breathing problems and breast cancer.

Many sleeping on the street are subjected to terrible weather, harassment, bullying, being robbed and worse. Those sleeping on the street also run a high risk of drug and alcohol abuse, further affecting their safety and well-being.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

THE SOLUTION

HOW OUR MAGIC HAPPENED

New sleeping pods being installed.

Several years before we ultimately launched the Dignity Bus in 2021, a loyal donor knocked on our door with the offer of donating a used motor coach (passenger bus) to The Source. Our team began brainstorming what we could do with the bus… even visualizing how rock bands travel in customized buses from city to city. That’s when our thoughts turned to taking the bus and remodeling it into “beds on wheels.” We began researching sleep buses and could not find any in the United States used for the purpose of sheltering the homeless. However, it did exist in parts of Europe as an “easy sleeper night bus,” which was comfortable enough and very convenient to maneuver.

There it was…with this bus donation we had an opportunity to convert this motor coach into

Interior of bus, stripped of seats.

a Mobile Overnight Shelter and use it for the homeless…and ultimately make it the first and only one-of-its-kind for the homeless in this country!

Our maintenance staff went full-steam ahead stripping the motor coach to see the stabilization of the vehicle before any large renovation plans were made. Sadly we found the vehicle had too much water damage, but still had viable component parts that we could remove and reassemble into a better vehicle. Research aided in discovering an improved better vehicle out of state…a perfect former passenger bus which upon purchase was driven to our Florida location.

Then we found a nearby fabrication company that specialized in custom bus conversions exactly like we wanted. Five months later, our first Dignity Bus was up and running.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

INTRODUCING DIGNITY BUS

GETTING STARTED

Now you know how Dignity Bus came to be….in concept. We found the right designers to outline a picture of what the interior would look like and how many beds (which we later named sleeping pods) would ideally fit in the allocated space along with the driver and other necessary amenities. Our Dignity Bus is a 1999 Van Hool 45-foot motor coach.

It has been converted into a custom-made interior and exterior, providing 20 secure, climate-controlled, individual sleeping pods with a lockable door, under-bus storage, pet pods for companion animals, an onboard overnight security person, and monitored CCTV surveillance. There is one generator installed on the belly of the bus. There is one separate, completely private bathroom facility with a toilet, sink and changing area. A mechanical room in the back holds the electrical components

and solid waste tanks for the onboard restroom.

We used Formica and laminate interior materials for its slip resistance and durability. Each sleeping pod consists of a USB port, an individual light and a privacy curtain. One Dignity Bus provides up to 7,300 safe sleeps per year. Since Dignity Bus was converted during the year of COVID, we used all protocols possible for the safety of our members, or guests as we warmly like to call them. Upon departure from the bus in the morning, clean- up and disinfecting of the sleeping pods prepares it for the use of a new group arriving for that night’s sleep. Additionally, we purchased an air-purification system that is highly effective in a COVID climate. With the assistance of our three air-conditioning units, the filter purifies 99.9% of any possible toxins.

Sleeping pods offer privacy with curtains

Sleeping pods with bedding presented by the owner of Heat Customs

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

THE BRANDING Branding the exterior of your Bus should keep to your vision, your values and be fitting to the community you serve. Our strong Dignity Bus brand has helped attract private partners and supporters. We had several conceptual designs put on paper that brought all our beliefs into play; those being faith, location and purpose.

Its exterior wrap design was conceived because we are a Christian faith-based organization; thus, a prominent vision of Jesus was necessary.

That, coupled with the fact that we are located in a beach community on the east coast of Florida… showing the sand and sea became desirable.

ocean. Adorned with logos of our organization as well as our donors, it highlights a quote from Matthew 11.28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

There is no denying that when the community sees the Bus, it is easily recognized and not soon forgotten! Branding the name of the bus is also very important. In our case, Dignity was in the title of all our various programs, so it was natural to name it Dignity Bus. We have trademarked that name and as you may be aware, trademarks do not happen overnight, so deciding on the name you have selected for your bus early on in the process is important.

One of our largest goals and most important dreams was to build a village, a one stop housing community that included a place for our members to work, pray and socialize, while continuing to use our programs and services. Thus, our slogan, “A Way to the Village” was intertwined within the art.

We had 5 versions of Jesus in different colors and in various locations. Ultimately, the designs were presented to our donors, and the final one was selected…that of a welcoming Jesus with open and extended arms walking on the sands by the

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

THE PROCEDURE

Getting To Know Your Passengers Our original approach before kicking off the design process was getting to know who our passengers would be. We began talking to unhoused Indian River County residents through interviews and focus groups. We quickly learned that their major concern was about privacy and safety. We listened to their individual stories and learned how and where they were currently sleeping, did they work and what was their daily routine. Our goal was to make an individual connection by name and to learn where they were from. This interaction helped us to understand their concerns, patterns of living and behaviors, and we ultimately Members wait patiently inline to get onto the Dignity Bus. incorporated what we learned from them into the design process. This resulted in the ability to gain their trust and loyalty as well as their respect for our vehicle and its upkeep.

Those that can utilize Dignity Bus are first the graduates of our Dining with Dignity program; secondly those who are registered members of The Source, and lastly are Guests…others in need of a good night’s sleep. The fee for our graduates is waived while others are charged a fee of $2 per night or $50 for a month in order to make passengers committed and responsible. Members and Guests are asked to adhere to a few important guidelines in order to maintain safety, security and comfort for everyone. Our building is open and manned from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for those joining us overnight so they may wait comfortably inside our main campus facility. The Bus is open for sign in at 8:45 p.m. on a firstcome first-served basis. Upon return the next morning at 7 a.m., guests enjoy a free hot breakfast in our building’s dining room followed by a fresh shower Guests are greeted each morning with a delicious, hot breakfast.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

THE POSITIVES...THE NEGATIVES

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There is a stigma to homelessness that we deal with on a regular basis. The daily work we do is not easy. The challenges of running our daily programs compete with the daily hardships our members face on the streets. Depending on your particular community, and how accepting people, officials and philanthropists are to your organization, will determine your rate of positivity going forward on this project or any other related projects. Building relationships has always been a strong suit for us, and even with that said, we have had our challenges! Our passion, tenacity and resilience help to recharge us every day.

Who are your Supporters? Our ability to nurture relationships in many different areas of the community where we serve has allowed us positive results. We have found that fundraising for this project has been very favorable.

- We receive donations of equipment from vendors who we have resourced over time that we use when replacements are necessary;

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- Local companies donate pillows, sheets and blankets under their business foundation arm or a donation of promotional products with their logo on the items -We have found non-denominational, non-profit organizations, as well as the philanthropic community, are supportive and continually show interest in our pursuits; -Our on-going high visibility in the media has allowed us numerous opportunities to speak about Dignity Bus through radio interviews, print or website feature stories and TV coverage. Also, we are frequently asked to speak at national conventions or local organizations and invited to write columns for a variety of magazines.

Who are your Detractors? No one has specifically stood in the way of our getting Dignity Bus operational, but that’s not to say that we haven’t had some challenges along the way. Some good people and local politicians have fears about our program and the people we serve. We have learned that we cannot win them all over, but we continue to rally support from the most crucial supporters of our operation…our partners, neighbors, key city/county officials and funders.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

IDENTIFY YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS Regardless of the size of the bus you are customizing, there will be some key costs to plan for as you get your conversion underway. The range will depend on several factors including the frequency of service that you operate the bus (number of days in the week), local rates for overnight parking, and whether you can offset your costs with donations.

With one year under our belt, we can confess that costs simply don’t stop. Administrative costs will vary based on the type of bus you convert. Whether it’s supplies, gasoline, equipment, salaries, benefits, payroll taxes, repairs of any damages to the interior or exterior of the vehicle, and any other unforeseen items, you will always need an on-going revenue stream. To be honest, our biggest costs are paying the nightly staff. We generally operate with two people nightly and all totaled our operating costs are approximately $122K.

Other Approximate Costs: -Bus Purchase: $0-$20K -Retro-fit: $50-100K (includes sleeping pods, cameras, AC units, TV’s etc.)

Repairs & Maintenance: $1K (or apply for nonprofit waiver) Vehicle Exterior Wrap $3-5K Cleaning Supplies: $350 monthly

Some Funding Avenues to Consider Am I able to secure local, state or business grants?

Is there a private philanthropy group that would help underwrite costs on a one-time basis or for multiple years?

Tools & Equipment: $500 monthly

What are your fundraising plans?

Linen: $2300 monthly

Might you develop earmarking opportunities?

Laundry: $3500 monthly Water: $100 monthly Generator: $10K Fuel & Propane: $500 monthly

How about a sponsorship program?

Do you have dedicated donors who have the means to assist in sustaining the bus on a permanent basis?

Liability, Directors & Officers, umbrella and commercial liability insurance for bus: $5-15K yearly Workers Compensation: $4-5K yearly

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

COORDINATING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN The Founding Team is the face of the Dignity Bus on the streets and a recipe for your success. They are the stewards of the Dignity Bus program and hold the keys to your operational integrity and impact. They are the individuals who will inspire the project with a sense of ownership along with those who join the project.

A Director of the team performs the multiple roles as strategist, planner, negotiator, and fundraiser while forging partnerships with the community as the public face of the venture.

A Fiscal Planner supports administrative duties while overseeing the legal and financial responsibilities of the job.

The Maintenance Manager will oversee all aspects of the health and well-being of the vehicle…from concept through completion and overseeing it on a daily basis.

A Representative of the Board of Directors will assist in decision-making on an as-needed-basis, as a spokesperson when necessary, and as a liaison to the rest of the Board members.

A Development Director or Grant Writer will assist uncovering donors, foundations, and other philanthropic individuals.

A Marketing Consultant will help steer the direction of pre-publicity, post-publicity, media relations and associated events that may occur during the conversion and when the vehicle is ready to be launched.

Shopping for the Bus- Typically, the right bus can be located from private sales or auction sites; one that is affordable and manageable. Be creative and aware of your individual environment and how best to operate within it.

Who will Handle the Bus Conversion-It is paramount to find the most proficient company or individuals to handle your bus conversion. You will need to map out electrical and plumbing systems, install new walls, fixtures, ventilation systems and appliances, and all with consideration to weight and space restrictions. The more customized the vehicle, the more difficult it will be to troubleshoot. We worked with a passionate team of mechanical engineers and established a positive relationship while we became educated about the process. We personally met with and established relationships with equipment vendors. Our initial design and prototype took several months of trial and error. There were challenges with our electrical system and occasional mechanical breakdowns, but we continually modified the design until completion. We have since completed the conversion of a second Bus and the previous education helped us in saving time, costs, and manpower, especially the access to our new relationships with equipment vendors.

Getting The Community Involved: Do you have volunteers with the abilities and connections to be a part of your planning team? If so, they can take on organizational roles and can help you recruit others who are active in your community who help act as ambassadors of good-will during the process of your bus conversion and launch.

Volunteers may come on their own or in groups from businesses, non-profit and faith-based organizations. As they say, all hands on deck….and you will need them now more than ever.

Publicity and Promotion-There is no better time than this to have a solid publicity and promotion plan in place with people who are well-connected with the media and local officials, and know how to handle a special and important news event. In the early days of the conversion this is breaking news… depending on the duration of the conversion you will have progress reports and ultimately launching the bus to the community with an in-person public event.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

KNOWING YOUR NEEDS City and County Permits & Regulations- In the State of Florida, the process of looking to open a new business, expand an existing business or just getting a business license, is over-whelming and can quickly turn excitement and promise into confusion and frustration. This will likely be the same in your individual location. Our county is notorious for its regulatory hurdles, so if your community is like ours, we suggest heading to City Hall to get the necessary help in identifying and understanding your local codes. Business Licenses, LLC simplifies and streamlines the process of applying for a business license.

Business licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow individuals or companies to conduct business within the government’s geographical jurisdiction. It is the authorization to start a business issued by the local government. A single jurisdiction often requires multiple licenses that are issued by multiple government departments and agencies. Business licenses vary between countries, states, and local municipalities. There are often many licenses, registrations and certifications required to conduct a business in a single location.

Overnight Lodging Facility- One of the largest issues we faced was finding the right location to park the Dignity Bus overnight. Neither the City nor the County would allow the vehicle on their properties, which meant we needed to find an independent land owner that would have the proper hook ups (including electric, gas, and water for solid waste disposal) for us to stay there. You’ll want to find secured, fenced in lots for overnight parking. Are there any public bus/shuttle agencies with accessible parking lots? Ask your Transit Authority. The Recreation and Park department may allow parking or operating at a local park. Solid Waste would have to be disposed at a local truck stop. City vs. County? Where do these governing agencies overlap? Where is governance shared vs. split? Are there differences in regulations, parking? We found a nearby truck stop that had the necessary requirements on their property and for a negotiated fee we are able to park overnight. The County Sheriff’s Office, who are very supportive of our endeavors, does numerous checks during the course of the evening.

Your community may offer RV Parks, churches or truck stop that will be suitable.

How to get a bus driver’s license- Guidelines may differ from state to state but a general guideline on what to expect may include your driver(s) to obtain a commercial learners permit for two weeks with a small fee. That is the time to learn all the maneuvers needed to perform during a skills test. These permits are active for approximately six months. A commercial driver’s license is evaluated for the driver(s) ability to identify and monitor warning devices, assess the brake system and run an operational check of all alarms, followed by showing the basic skills in starting, stopping and safely moving the vehicle. The final portion of the test evaluates driving while correctly using signals, controlling the vehicle’s speed and appropriate maneuvering when turning or changing lanes. Once all the tests are complete, including a criminal background check and a drug test, the final step is to practice the driving skills with an experienced driver for a designated amount of practice hours before a full license is then issued.

Day-Time Shelter- The bus is not a small vehicle so the decision on where to park it during the daytime or off-use time periods can present an issue. At first, The Source had been fortunate to have a campus parking lot where we housed the vehicle during the day. This was convenient for our purposes as it offered us the opportunity to have easy access to our washers and dryers so the bedding could be changed daily and the bus cleaned and disinfected daily, as well as any small maintenance, repairs, and exterior washing of the vehicle. As our campus grew with members and guests using our parking lot, as well as the second bus in operation, we eventually found two nearby locations with parking lot availability that we rent in off-use times for a small fee.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

KNOWING YOUR NEEDS City and County Permits & Regulations- In the State of Florida, the process of looking to open a new business, expand an existing business or just getting a business license, is over-whelming and can quickly turn excitement and promise into confusion and frustration. This will likely be the same in your individual location. Our county is notorious for its regulatory hurdles, so if your community is like ours, we suggest heading to City Hall to get the necessary help in identifying and understanding your local codes. Business Licenses, LLC simplifies and streamlines the process of applying for a business license.

Business licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow individuals or companies to conduct business within the government’s geographical jurisdiction. It is the authorization to start a business issued by the local government. A single jurisdiction often requires multiple licenses that are issued by multiple government departments and agencies. Business licenses vary between countries, states, and local municipalities. There are often many licenses, registrations and certifications required to conduct a business in a single location.

Overnight Lodging Facility- One of the largest issues we faced was finding the right location to park the Dignity Bus overnight. Neither the City nor the County would allow the vehicle on their properties, which meant we needed to find an independent land owner that would have the proper hook ups (including electric, gas, and water for solid waste disposal) for us to stay there. You’ll want to find secured, fenced in lots for overnight parking. Are there any public bus/shuttle agencies with accessible parking lots? Ask your Transit Authority. The Recreation and Park department may allow parking or operating at a local park. Solid Waste would have to be disposed at a local truck stop. City vs. County? Where do these governing agencies overlap? Where is governance shared vs. split? Are there differences in regulations, parking? We found a nearby truck stop that had the necessary requirements on their property and for a negotiated fee we are able to park overnight. The County Sheriff’s Office, who are very supportive of our endeavors, does numerous checks during the course of the evening.

Your community may offer RV Parks, churches or truck stop that will be suitable.

How to get a bus driver’s license- Guidelines may differ from state to state but a general guideline on what to expect may include your driver(s) to obtain a commercial learners permit for two weeks with a small fee. That is the time to learn all the maneuvers needed to perform during a skills test. These permits are active for approximately six months. A commercial driver’s license is evaluated for the driver(s) ability to identify and monitor warning devices, assess the brake system and run an operational check of all alarms, followed by showing the basic skills in starting, stopping and safely moving the vehicle. The final portion of the test evaluates driving while correctly using signals, controlling the vehicle’s speed and appropriate maneuvering when turning or changing lanes. Once all the tests are complete, including a criminal background check and a drug test, the final step is to practice the driving skills with an experienced driver for a designated amount of practice hours before a full license is then issued.

Day-Time Shelter- The bus is not a small vehicle so the decision on where to park it during the daytime or off-use time periods can present an issue. At first, The Source had been fortunate to have a campus parking lot where we housed the vehicle during the day. This was convenient for our purposes as it offered us the opportunity to have easy access to our washers and dryers so the bedding could be changed daily and the bus cleaned and disinfected daily, as well as any small maintenance, repairs, and exterior washing of the vehicle. As our campus grew with members and guests using our parking lot, as well as the second bus in operation, we eventually found two nearby locations with parking lot availability that we rent in off-use times for a small fee.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

KNOW YOUR MEMBERS, GUESTS AND BUS DRIVERS Once you decide to purchase your bus, evaluate how many possible members/ guests you will be able to accommodate. In most cases the bus you find to purchase will help dictate that. We found that our 20 sleeping pods would be sufficient, and at the start we had more than enough. As the seasons and the weather changed, we found the attendance increased and now we find it filled to capacity more often than not. Our second bus holds 16. Within a short few days we were 50% full and in a little over one week of operation, every sleeping pod was occupied!

At the time we made our bus purchase, we already knew our steady members and we became aware of the baggage they would bring along with them, either personal or pets; thus, we accommodated those needs with storage areas for both, as well as space for our driver and his/her needs.

We created a very solid operation to serve our members/guests properly. The operation included which individuals would have the first opportunities to occupy one of the sleeping pods, sign-in procedures, boarding and safety measures, and rules and regulations that must be abided by. As time went on, we also realized that members/guests would have no place to wait for the bus to open, so we made our campus building available to them for several hours in advance of boarding, so they could be safe, in a climate controlled space. Many of our members/guests now actually begin their day at The Source with a hot breakfast and shower, go to a job either outside of The Source or within the campus building, stay on until the bus boards, spend the night, and then repeat the next day.

We have found the hiring of bus drivers to be an on-going task. Our pool for hiring was extremely limited due to individuals not being able to drive a 45 foot motor coach and/or lack of experience working in the human service field which we found to be an extremely important hiring element.

Depending on your bus classification, the vehicle can be expensive to register and may require Class A/B driver’s licenses, which adds to the difficulty in hiring. We suggest you begin this process of hiring for bus drivers fairly early, but not too early, so that they are not waiting and may disappear to another position. You need enough time for training and licensing but finding people for overnight shifts are not as easy as we once thought. Also, we operate 7 days a week, so we have shifts that are MondayThursday, and Friday. We also have a few on-going staff members who can pinch-hit if necessary, but this can be somewhat of a revolving door if you don’t initially hit on the right people for the job.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

DAILY BUS UPKEEP One or more employees can rotate the responsibilities of preparing the bus daily for a new night’s sleep.

Following the disembarking of the passengers each morning, a staff member starts their day cleaning and disinfecting the bus, toilet and sink. We mop or vacuum the flooring, clean the exhaust fans and their screens. We wipe down all plumbing and electrical systems.

We operate several washing machines and dryers within our campus building.

This allows for the stripping of the beds in which all linens and blankets are changed daily, and prepared for the next night’s sleep. Each sleeping pod has a privacy curtain and that is also wiped down for cleanliness.

We hose down and clean the exterior of our vehicle daily and inspect the surface for any possible scratches or dents.

The Bus is regularly supplied with necessary toilet paper, hand sanitizer, tissues and paper towels.

Hygiene supplies include mops, brooms, squeegees, buckets, chemicals, cleaning gloves, masks, cloths and anti-bacterial wipes.

We clean thoroughly between every single sleep…it’s vital to keeping the facilities sanitary for all, and gives our members and guests a sense of pride and ownership to maintain.

We clean thoroughly between every single sleep…it’s vital to keeping the facilities sanitary for all, and gives our members and guests a sense of pride and ownership to maintain.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

READY TO ROLL

Before Dignity Buses head from our campus to their overnight sites, our drivers have a pre-check system to be sure everything needed is in place.

• Make sure that all supplies are stocked and equipment is in working order.

• Check that we are all fueled up and ready to go.

• Verify that all registered guests are ready to load their storage and board the bus. Once boarded, individuals are not allowed to leave until they return to the campus the next morning.

• Warmly welcome each member or guest.

• Make sure bus doors and storage doors are secured.

“First good night’s sleep I’ve had in years.” - Kyle

“I sleep so much better knowing I am safe and sound.” - Peter

• Provide each person with a shoe bag prior to getting into each sleeping pod.

• Drive to destination and before lights out, have driver complete daily reports, make a final walk around the bus and offer any help if needed.

“I am so grateful to sleep on the bus and get a warm breakfast.” - Cathy

“When I stay on the bus I know I am safe. I sleep so much better.” - Tasha

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

GETTING THE WORD OUT

Ribbon Cutting Event, Introducing the Palm Bay Dignity Bus at the Palm Bay City Hall in May, 2022

We have previously mentioned that a Marketing Consultant(s) should be part of the team early on in your planning stages. The Consultants(s) should be experienced enough to deal with, and have strong connections with, the media, and if they come with some experience and are savvy in working with non-profit organizations, all the better. Keep them in the on-going loop of your bus conversion so they fully understand which will allow them to strategize on the best ways to present your bus to the community, highlighting possible sponsors and community donors, as well as creating a proper timetable for their publicity planning. Timed correctly, announcements can be made periodically for maximum interest, while educating and nurturing your hopeful donors about what is happening for the homeless in your community. Taking videos or photos throughout the bus conversion is a necessary project, and can be used online or in printed materials throughout the process.

Social Media and Website Updates will help to keep the phones ringing and create interest from others in the community or even those from afar.

Professional Grant Writers should explore foundations that are interested in underwriting a project as unique as this. Private companies or high net worth individuals like the visibility of becoming involved in local non-profit activities and ultimately can become financial or in-kind donors as onetime or monthly/yearly donors. You may even create an innovative giving program that would attract believers and supporters of the bus on an on-going basis.

The Development of a Brochure is important, especially when your organization is ready to launch your bus publicly. The brochure can also be used for prospective donors, and as hand-outs for networking and speaking engagements. All the photos you had taken along the way, along with the process and how it will operate will be readily available and easily produced for an impressive printed brochure.

Hold a Public Event when ready to launch your Bus! You may partner with your City officials and your Chamber of Commerce when holding a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony while inviting donors, Board of Directors, friends of your organization and the public at large. Inform the local media, both print and broadcasting. Take photographs and videos, and submit post coverage to entice local attention.

As opportunities arise, bring your Bus to local events where the public have the chance to come inside for a personal tour. Making new acquaintances always leads to other opportunities for new supporters and donors as it enlightens the community about what your organization does.

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

IN CONCLUSION Homelessness is one of the biggest problems we have across our country. Please join me in supporting this inspiring group taking positive action. I LOVE how they are attacking this.

Check them out on their website iamthesource.org. Join me in supporting them. The fundraising will never be over! We have more buses and RV’s to convert.

Decembe r 2021

24 2021 December BCM

BUS CONVERS ION

Susan Buckner, “Patty” from Grease

ersion to Planning a Bus Conv the Provide Shelter for ty Bus Homeless – The Digni

h

By Anthony Zorbaug

Anthony Zorbaugh (center)

with Board Members

and homeless in Vero The Source for the poor announced in March of Beach Florida, officially Dignity Bus were open.

2021, the doors to the hip of Executive Direcleaders the Created under the new Dignity Bus offers tor Anthony Zorbaugh, on 20 needy people living a good night’s sleep for County. the streets of Indian River here,” states Zor“It’s been a long ride getting to us led work hard and baugh, “but our hearts can share this finished this point, and now we need it the most.” product with those that

Big Blue – A 1976 MCI Challenger 5B

By Richard Killmon

s, mail and telephone hygiene items, shower , cold-weather refuge, services, benefit referrals services are offered free and so much more. All generosity of friends and the to of charge, thanks Source. family of The

1995 as a fledgling homeThe Source began in . Today their purpose less Christian ministry nging possibilities to remains to offer life-cha emergency hunger residents in crisis, offering ling, support groups, relief, clothing, counse

Six Simple Strategies for Maximizing Solar on a Small Budget (Part 2 of 3) By Shari Galiardi and David Hutchison

ess Have a small bus busin and want to let the Bus t it? community know abou

Planning a Bus Conversion to Provide Shelter for the Homeless – The Dignity Bus

By Anthony Zorbaugh

ad Run a Service Directoryas on page 46 for as little

The New Jersey Historic Bus Festival

By David Millhouser

g by the Dignity Bus.

and Local officials standin

$9/month e.com

www.BusConversionMagazin

We have been published in a number of trade magazines such as Bus Conversion Magazine.

Many months have passed since we launched our first of two Dignity Buses and overall, the bus program has been smooth riding. We’ve experienced some changes in personnel along the way and we needed to outreach for drivers which we accomplished through social media and website advertising.

We’ve had some scratches and dents to the exterior of the bus, and times for beautification or mechanical repairs took the bus off the street for brief periods.

We continue to receive donations towards materials, maintenance, and on-going expenses, and most importantly, our clients have a place to sleep safely and securely. At this writing, we have experience capacity passengers nightly for their individual safe and secure sleeps. Many passengers have enjoyed their night’s sleep, hot shower and free hot breakfast in the morning.

Once our Dignity Bus was on the road and the networking and media outlets began to spread the word near and far, our phones started ringing. As the Pandemic continued to lift, we have received invitations to bring our bus to conventions and other cities to explain the concept of Dignity Bus. As a means to help other communities cope with the issue of homeless individuals needing a good night’s sleep, the idea of creating a bus conversion is fast becoming a valuable solution.

Another Florida city, just thirty miles away, invited The Source to propose replicating the Dignity Bus for their community. That bus, slightly smaller, has 16 sleeping pods and is currently operating nightly in the community of Palm Bay, Fl based on our original formula and procedures.

By the way, all these accomplishments have happened during a Pandemic. Perhaps your timing will be better than ours, but even with that, nothing got in the way of our determination to help the homeless out of homelessness, and each step we have taken has culminated in doing just that. This too can happen for you. It’s a step-by-step process but utilizing the footprint that we have created and utilized successfully will help steer the course for you.

Good Luck!

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org

THANK YOU This Tool kit has been a long time in the making. It is a product of I Am Ministries, Inc. dba The Source.

We have experienced many trials and tribulations that we can share with you as a service model that we’re confident can viably transform any issues you may encounter around access to shelter, and change how your community sees and serves people moving through homelessness. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, I Am Ministries, Inc., dba The Source was able to launch the first and the second Mobile Overnight Shelters in the country, providing 20 individuals in the first bus, and 16 people in the second, providing a safe night of sleep 365 days a year. We know that when you make your vision a reality, the impact will be as profound as we have found ours to be. It’s deeper than shelter, health and wellness. It’s about human connection and community.

-The Source, Founding Team Special Thanks Thank you to The Fred Griffin Legacy Fund, Suzanne Chesser, Gutenberg Charitable Foundation, The George Shinn Foundation and St. Vincent de Paul of St. Joseph’s Parish who helped bring this Toolkit and many of our ideas to life.

In Dedication

Maureen Archer, Assistant Executive Director of The Source, whose insight, financial foresight, exuberance for life and love for mankind made her a most valuable part of the Dignity Bus Team…from concept to completion…Thank You.

Photo and Graphic Credits MaryAnn Ketcham Paris Productions Rowlinson Media Group What have we missed here? What’s been most helpful? What questions come up? Are you interested in knowing more? Please let us know via email to Anthony.Zorbaugh@iamthesource. org, or by calling 772-564-0202, Ext 20

772-564-0202 • www.iamthesource.org