Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source, received a personal invitation from Simply Healthcare to join Earvin “Magic” Johnson in a panel discussion on achieving health equity through housing. The event was held in Orlando on April 20.
Studies have identified a direct correlation between housing instability and increased medical and behavioral health problems. Communities of color are among those who suffer the most and disproportionately experience housing instability, homelessness and poorer health outcomes.
For demonstration purposes, Zorbaugh brought both the Indian River County (with 20 sleeping pods) and Palm Bay Dignity Bus (with 16 sleeping pods) to the event as a means in showing that creative thinking can help the homeless with a good night sleep on the bus. The Dignity Buses, the first and second-of-a-kind in the country, were converted from passenger vehicles into temporary overnight shelters for the homeless in both communities they serve. The Source is currently working on spreading their message and abilities to help other communities convert a bus into an overnight shelter.
The Source, a Christian Ministry Outreach Center located in Vero Beach, FL, offers life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; offers emergency shelter, hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, laundry services, job training and much more. For more information on the Source and the Dignity Bus contact Zorbaugh at 772-564-0202 or visit www.iamthesource.org.