He agreed to talk with me on camera about what it’s like to hold a job while living in the woods. His experience should rouse the compassion in all of us. Together, we can Build Camp Haven and bring back hope for Randy and many more like him.

Prepare for a new perspective, and click here:

Video: Randy speaks on working out of the woods

Moved? Then share your comments below.

An additional 109 individuals were at imminent risk of becoming homeless, facing eviction within two weeks and lacking the resources to keep themselves off the streets.

The Source participates in an annual census of people experiencing homelessness in our county. The census is called a “Point In Time” survey, and it is coordinated by the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council. The survey is conducted on a single day (January 27 this year) and is intended to represent the number of people who are homeless on any given night.

Full data from the 2012 Point In Time survey for Indian River County

Article on the Point In Time survey results from the Press Journal on April 7, 2012

Life in the woods is no picnic here in Indian River County

Josh and Kristyn were on the streets and on the brink of divorce.

“We were both homeless, had no idea what was going to happen, and honestly scared to death,” said Kristyn. “Thanks to The Source, we were able to eat, shower, and get personal products, which gave us hope that we weren’t going to fall apart.”

Josh and Kristyn felt driven to get out of the woods, but going month after month without finding a job, being homeless, having no safe place to go, was taking its toll on them both. An emotional meltdown created an intense argument between them, and the conclusion left them discussing the word “divorce.”

They had been coming to The Source for meals, showers, and other basic needs, but now they reached out for help with a deeper need – saving their marriage. Pastor Jermey began to counsel with them.

Recent statistics reveal: the number one cause of separation in the United States today is financial hardship.

While meeting and praying with Josh and Kristyn, Jermey was led to ask a simple question. “What do you like to do?” asked Jermey.

“I like to work on cars,” replied Josh.

Jermey immediately thought of a friend who owns a mechanic shop. Over the next couple of days, Josh had an opportunity to meet that friend, which landed him a formal interview, which landed him the job. Kristyn has since found work as well, and they are now out of the woods.

Even more incredible, their experience has led them to contemplate God in a way they never had before. They have started attending a local church, and Josh is being mentored both personally here at The Source and professionally in the workplace.

“The Source helped my husband get his dream job. I’ve never seen him happier. I have hope now that one day I’ll have my family back and a life I can raise my children into. I now have the strength, courage, and the resources to accomplish anything!” says Kristyn.

It’s a shame that this couple was brought to the brink of divorce. While this is a happy ending for Josh and Kristyn, many more couples just like them are living out in the woods right now, struggling to hang on to the only thing they have left – each other. Help us build Camp Haven to provide them the safety and support they need.

• Indian River County residents only
• Homeless couples or single men and women over the age of 18
• Screened for psychological fitness, health, substance abuse, and criminal history
• Engaged in camp governance, maintenance, and compliant with camp rules
• Willing to implement self-sufficiency plans and work 1-1 with a care manager
• Active in appropriate programs and services provided by a coalition of local agencies
• Eligible regardless of religious affiliation or proclamation

Be part of the group that helps launch the Build Camp Haven campaign!

"...because there was no room for them at the inn."

I can’t help but think of all my beautiful friends with no safe place to sleep at night. Please support Camp Haven.

1015 Commerce Avenue is the address of The Source. We are not permitted to shelter people. Exception is made only in cases of extreme weather, as determined cooperatively with the Indian River County Emergency Management Division.

With no other shelter options available to individuals or couples without minor children, becoming homeless in Indian River County means living in your car or sleeping in the woods.

1. Residency requirement - The most effective measure is the establishment of a residency requirement that is consistently enforced. A Camp Haven candidate will have to provide proof that they have been a resident of Indian River County for at least ninety days. (Clients currently being served by The Source have an average residency of 13 years, with 60% of the displaced being homeless less than three months.) They must also consent to the following:
2. Established rules - A strict set of guidelines will provide accountability and order for Camp Haven, i.e., curfew, appropriate behavior, no drugs/alcohol, random screenings… A resident must also be willing to work and contribute to the success of the camp in very tangible ways, including groundskeeping and chores.
3. Expected emergence from homelessness - Camp Haven is a program only appropriate for those who intend to rise out of homelessness. Camp Haven will provide up to six months of transitional housing, during which time residents will establish a self-sufficiency plan, find/maintain gainful employment, demonstrate progress with the support of a care manager, and save the funds needed to move back into a home of their own.

“I am searching for help for a homeless young married couple. They live in Vero Beach and just lost their home and his job. Do you know of any place that is open now besides the two I know of (Samaritans and Homeless Family)?”

My reply was delivered after a sobering pause and a long, deep breath.

Unfortunately, no. (And the shelters she mentions only house families with minor children.) Also unfortunate is the number of times this scenario is played out, week after week.

The current unemployment rate in Indian River County is 13.8%, far exceeding the national average of 9.1%. In this highly competitive market, residents who find themselves jobless discover that landing a new job is exceedingly difficult. Finding one that pays a living wage is even more challenging. Often, losing your job means losing your home. And with no shelter options in Indian River County, this couple found themselves on the street.

On their behalf, and on behalf of so many like them, help us build Camp Haven.

“Though it is often overlooked, millions of Americans struggled to meet their housing needs prior to the current economic crisis… Harvard researchers have also concluded that the affordability problems are expanding up the income scale. What was once mostly concentrated among the lowest-income families is now affecting more lower middle- and middle-income renters – teachers, first responders, health-care workers, and retail employees.”

Data for Indian River County included in this year’s Out of Reach report:

• A renter needs to earn $18.46 per hour in order to afford a two-bedroom unit at the Fair Market Rent in IRC.
• The average renter wage in IRC in 2011 is $10.95.
  This means the average renter must work 67 hours per week, 52 weeks per year to afford a two-bedroom unit at FMR.
• The current minimum wage is $7.31 per hour.
  This means a minimum wage earner must work 101 hours per week, 52 weeks per year to afford the same.

An individual who becomes homeless in this county has no safe, legal shelter options. Camp Haven presents our community with a crossroads. This is an opportunity to either take an important step forward or to neglect those in genuine need.