Right now in Central Florida, hundreds of men and women sleep outside each night—not by choice, but because there simply aren't enough shelter beds. With a 24% rise in unsheltered homelessness in Orange County over the past year, our community faces a stark reality. We need immediate, compassionate solutions that meet the realities our neighbors are facing.

This August, the Christian Service Center for the Homeless, in partnership with the City of Orlando's Community Redevelopment Agency, will launch 407 Connect, a new mobile program designed to expand emergency sleeping capacity and connect individuals to permanent housing.

407 Connect will operate two custom-built buses, each equipped with up to 21 climate-controlled sleeping pods, onboard restrooms, and secure storage for personal belongings. At full capacity, the program will offer 42 adults and children a place to rest safely and with dignity each night.

But these buses are more than emergency beds. Every guest will be enrolled through CSC's case management team and supported with an individualized housing plan. Participation in 407 Connect is not just about having a safe night's sleep, it's about taking intentional, supported steps toward permanent housing. During the day, guests will engage in services at our downtown campus, including meals, showers, job assistance, ID recovery, and housing navigation.

This is a practical, low-barrier solution during a time of increasing urgency. New state legislation requires cities to ban public camping and allows for civil lawsuits if encampments are not cleared. Enforcement is tightening. From July to December last year, 19 people were arrested under the ban in Orlando. In just the first two months of 2025, that number rose to 32.

The 407 Connect model is already drawing regional interest. Communities across Central Florida are exploring similar approaches, and the Christian Service Center is honored to help lead and share what we learn.

Our aim is clear: to help more than 407 individuals transition from homelessness into permanent housing over the next three years. 407 Connect offers more than a bed, it's a bridge from crisis to stability, one person at a time.

Your generosity makes bold, transformative efforts like this possible. Thank you for helping us move forward with purpose and faith. Together, we are offering not only a safe place for tonight but hope for tomorrow.