Haven  —noun
A place of safety or sanctuary

When someone becomes homeless in Indian River County, they have three choices: 1) If you are a family, you can get in line at the Homeless Family Center. 2) If you are a single mother or father, you can get into the Samaritan Center. 3) If you are single, or a couple, and you do not have minor children living with you, you can come to The Source for a tent, some bedding, maybe some bug spray, and then you make your way out into the woods. I cannot suggest a place for you to camp, because that would make me a party to trespass.

The Situation: America’s ongoing economic crisis has changed the way many of us live. Losing a job today is different than it was just a few years ago. The unemployment rate in Indian River County far exceeds the national average and is the fifth highest in the state of Florida. As a result, many of our residents are unable to pay their mortgage or their rent and are facing literal homelessness for the very first time.

An individual who becomes homeless in this county has no safe, legal shelter options.

A Solution: The Source is our community’s Christian outreach center for displaced individuals and families at risk. We propose to sponsor a safe, legal transitional housing program for people who have lost their homes.  This will supplement our current program that already assists people with hot meals, showers, clothing, and other needs that we take for granted.

On this blogsite, you will be able to learn more about the Camp Haven program and stay tuned in to our progress.