407 Connect Project aims to provide mobile overnight housing and long-term solutions
In an innovative step to address homelessness in the city, Orlando officials have approved the 407 Connect Project — a mobile shelter initiative that will transform two Greyhound-style buses into overnight housing for individuals in need. Nicknamed “Dignity Buses,” the retrofitted vehicles will offer temporary shelter and support services as part of a broader effort to move people off the streets and into stable housing.
The program is a partnership between the City of Orlando and the Christian Service Center for the Homeless, which will operate the buses from its Parramore campus. The city is contributing $350,000 toward converting the buses and committing an additional $3 million over three years to fund operations, staffing, and support services.
Each 45-foot bus will be equipped with sleeping pods, restrooms, storage compartments, and accessibility features, offering overnight accommodations for up to 40 individuals. Staffed by the Christian Service Center, the buses will also provide on-site security and connection to wraparound services — including case management and pathways to permanent housing.
“The 407 Connect Project is about restoring dignity and offering a stepping stone for those experiencing homelessness,” said city officials in a statement. “This isn’t just about a place to sleep; it’s about a path forward.”
Despite the project’s humanitarian mission, the plan faced some public opposition during its approval process. Concerns were raised about the long-term effectiveness of mobile shelters and their impact on surrounding neighborhoods. However, city leaders emphasized the buses are a temporary measure designed to complement — not replace — traditional housing programs.
The mobile units will be stationed at the Christian Service Center’s Parramore location, a central hub already known for supporting vulnerable populations. The project is slated to launch in June 2025.
As cities nationwide grapple with rising homelessness, Orlando’s 407 Connect Project may serve as a model for blending innovation with compassion — one bus, and one life, at a time.
One response to “Orlando Launches “Dignity Buses” to Shelter the Homeless”
HB 1365’s One-Year Requirement Under Florida Statute CS/CS/HB 1365 (effective October 1, 2024), counties may designate temporary campsites or shelters for the homeless when local shelter beds are insufficient, but these designated areas are subject to specific conditions, including:
Temporary Nature: Section 125.0231(3)(e) states that any county-designated area for homeless camping or sleeping “must not be established or maintained for more than 365 consecutive calendar days” (i.e., one year). After this period, the designation expires, and a new area must be designated if needed, subject to renewed approval by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This restriction applies to the physical location or facility designated for sheltering, not necessarily the funding or program duration. The intent is to ensure that temporary solutions do not become permanent fixtures and that local governments prioritize long-term housing solutions.