August 21, 2025

Orlando Launches Innovative Mobile Shelter Program

News Summary

Orlando has introduced ‘407 Connect,’ a mobile shelter initiative aimed at addressing homelessness. Utilizing two retrofitted buses, the program will provide overnight shelter for 42 individuals each night. With onboard case management services, it aims to help over 400 people secure permanent housing. The city has invested $175,000 in each bus, reflecting a strong commitment to tackling the homelessness crisis, which has seen a 156% rise since 2022. This innovative approach not only offers shelter solutions but also pathways to permanent housing, including provisions for individuals’ pets.

Orlando has launched an innovative mobile shelter program, named “407 Connect,” in partnership with the nonprofit Christian Service Center, to address the growing issue of homelessness in the city. The program, which utilizes two retrofitted Greyhound-style buses, provides much-needed overnight shelter for homeless individuals in the region.

Each bus is designed to accommodate a total of 42 people every night, offering essential features such as sleeping pods, restrooms, storage compartments, and air conditioning. This initiative aims to ensure that those who would otherwise have no place to sleep—often forced to spend their nights on sidewalks or in vehicles—have access to a secure and comfortable environment.

The city of Orlando invested $175,000 in each bus, funded through the Community Redevelopment Agency, with the total program cost reaching approximately $3 million over a span of three years. The operational strategy is modeled after the “Dignity Bus” project, a successful undertaking initiated by a nonprofit organization in Vero Beach.

Central to the 407 Connect program are the onboard case management services. These services aim to connect individuals with long-term housing resources, with an ambitious goal of helping over 400 people secure permanent housing during the three-year duration of the program. Each night, participants will be picked up from the Christian Service Center’s Parramore campus around 7 p.m. and returned by 6 a.m. the following morning, creating a reliable framework for support.

Importantly, the program encourages individuals to bring their pets along, recognizing the companionship and security that animals provide. Furthermore, the operating budget for the program includes provisions for security deposits, rents, and other housing costs related to the transition out of homelessness.

This initiative comes as a direct response to the increasing demands for shelter in Orlando, as the region is facing a shortage of approximately 1,000 additional shelter beds. Recent data indicates that homelessness in Central Florida has surged by 156% since 2022, mainly attributed to skyrocketing rents and housing costs.

The official unveiling of the 407 Connect buses took place outside City Hall, attended by city commissioners and community members, indicating strong local support for this crucial initiative. Volunteers, including local representatives, participated in trial runs of the sleeping pods to ensure they meet the needs of future users.

The program is designed to rotate individuals to maximize its reach, expecting to serve over 600 people in total during its implementation. Buses will be securely parked in selected locations each night, with careful consideration for both safety and accessibility.

The 407 Connect initiative is part of broader efforts by the city to tackle homelessness. Recently, Orlando committed $6 million toward the renovation of the Christian Service Center’s day facility in downtown Orlando, which aims to enhance services available to the homeless population.

Overall, the launch of the 407 Connect program underscores Orlando’s commitment to addressing homelessness in a compassionate and constructive manner. By providing immediate shelter solutions and pathways to permanent housing, the city hopes to positively impact the lives of many individuals affected by homelessness.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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