Matthew's Hope launches sleeper bus

A new sleeper bus soon will be running in Brevard County. 

Launched by founder Scott Billue, the idea came after Florida passed House Bill 1365, prohibiting public camping and sleeping. 

The bus will be equipped with security features, beds, chargers, air conditioning, bathroom and privacy, and a cleaning company to clean and disinfect the bus each day. 

Funded through grants and donations, the bus fits 20 people. 

Billue said the bus will help the homeless get rest and rejuvenate. 

Reservations are required for the three-night stay the nonprofit is offering. Billue said guests need to sign-up in advance and must be serious about wanting to move forward in life, whatever that means for each person. 

The bus is allowed by the Brevard County to park in certain parking lots to ensure safety and calmness. 

Currently, the bus is being driven around to showcase what's to come, as well as to educate cities and residents of how the bus can help communities battle homelessness. 

Though these busses won't run in Orange County as of now, Billue hopes it will soon, helping our local community and unsheltered individuals. 

Billue said that Apopka has already allowed the bus to park anywhere it'd like, as long as they're notified of where they'll be. 

Now, the next step is to get approval from the city to operate a bus in West Orange.