The city of Orlando is taking a mobile approach to addressing homelessness with the approval of an innovative plan that repurposes two buses into emergency shelters. The city has allocated about $3.1 million over three years to operate these "Dignity Buses," which aim to provide temporary respite for those without homes. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer backed the plan, stating, "we’re not going to wait on them," highlighting the city's commitment to combating homelessness. Each bus is designed to sleep up to 39 people per night, hoping to move 407 people into permanent housing, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Amid public concerns, the Orlando City Council passed the funding after a heated debate on the merits and potential drawbacks of the Dignity Buses. With the homeless population reportedly doubling over the past five years, Brian Postlewait, CEO of Homeless Services Network, emphasized the grim reality in a statement reported by WESH, "People are literally dying on our streets." Yet, opposition voices like Chelsea Chantilly argue that Orlando already provides more than its fair share of homeless services and wants other communities to contribute to the efforts.
Funding for the Dignity Buses initiative includes around $350,000 for the purchase of the two buses, with the remainder covering operational costs for services such as overnight staffing with attendants and security measures. The Christian Service Center, responsible for operating the buses, plans to allocate more than a third of its budget to assist individuals moving into permanent housing, said Eric Gray, the executive director.
However, local officials also voiced concerns about the allocation of funding and planning. Commissioner Bakari Burns raised questions about the potential high cost of staffing the buses, as detailed by WFTV, addressing the issue, "Having 60 percent of the budget going to personnel is kind of concerning." Moreover, there are tensions over where these buses should be parked, with some residents and officials expressing a desire to avoid over-concentration in certain neighborhoods like Parramore, exemplified by suspended City Commissioner Regina Hill's plea for alternate parking arrangements.
