407 Connect
As of the 2024 point-in-time count, there was a 24% increase in unsheltered individuals in Orange County from the previous year. Recognizing the need for more accommodations, the city, in partnership with our Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Christian Service Center (CSC), is expanding upon its multi-pronged approach to homeless intervention with an innovative mobile solution.
Based on the successful "Dignity Bus" project from Vero Beach-based The Source Ministries, this program is designed to provide safe, overnight sleeping accommodations to 42 individuals at a time. 407 Connect will consist of two custom-fabricated buses. These individuals are connected with the resources at the CSC to help them achieve permanent housing.
The program launched August 2025.
About the buses
An overnight security personnel/attendant are on board to ensure safety and support.
The power needed to run air conditioning, heat, lighting and other utility needs are supplied by plugging the buses into the building's electricity.
Each bus is outfitted with:
- Insulated and climate-controlled sleeping quarters with 19-20 sleeping pods
- Comprehensive surveillance system to monitor safety
- Small personal security space with lockable doors above each pod
- Storage compartments for personal belongings
- Restrooms
About the overall program
Individuals, predetermined by the CSC case management team, board the buses each evening and stay through the night. As part of the program, these guests receive comprehensive case management services to connect them with housing. They remain guests while they participate in the program. Guests also have access to the daytime wrap-around services provided by CSC, such as laundry, employment help and more.
As participants obtain permanent housing, we are able to then offer spots to new guests. With two buses and these services, we expect to connect more than 400 individuals to permanent housing over the next three years.
By leading the way with 407 Connect, Orlando is reaffirming its commitment to innovative, compassionate and effective solutions for those in need.
Funding
This project supports the Accelerate Orlando goal to reduce the number of unsheltered individuals on the streets of Orlando by 50% over the next three years. As such, the funds from Accelerate Orlando and the CRA will go directly to the Christian Services Center to purchase the buses and provide operational costs for these three years.