ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s 407 Connect program has helped 169 people move from homelessness to stable housing since its launch in August 2025, putting the three-year initiative ahead of its original pace.
The city partnered with the Community Redevelopment Agency and Christian Service Center on the program, which combines overnight shelter, case management and help covering barriers such as move-in costs and rental assistance.
The initiative was initially expected to help 407 people find housing over three years. So far, 260 people have received shelter and case-management services, bringing them important support along the way.
407 Connect offers climate-controlled buses with comfortable sleeping pods, providing a safe and welcoming place to stay overnight for up to 42 people.
Each bus is equipped with restrooms, storage, charging stations, and onboard security to help ensure a comfortable experience.
Twelve people moved into housing last week, and five more were scheduled to move in this week, officials said.
“A safe place to sleep should be the beginning of a path to housing, not the end of the conversation,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said.
City officials plan to share the program’s shelter-bus model and housing strategies with other local governments as 407 Connect enters its next phase.
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