We Got A Van!
Gospel, Inc. Receives Grant for 12-Passenger Van from Publix Charities
to Support Resident Transportation
CONTACT: For interviews, please contact Beth Bostwick, beth@masterpiecemarketing.com, 717-475-7000
Lakeland, FL — Gospel, Inc., a Christ-centered community dedicated to providing permanent supportive housing and dignified work opportunities to individuals transitioning from homelessness, is thrilled to announce that Publix Charities has generously awarded their ministry a grant. The funds from this award have allowed them to secure a 2024 12-passenger van to support the ministry’s expanding transportation needs. This reliable, low-mile vehicle will significantly enhance Gospel, Inc.’s ability to safely transport residents to community activities, appointments, and group events.
As Gospel, Inc. continues to grow, including the launch of a new housing expansion set to open in the coming months, the need for dependable transportation became more pressing. Until now, staff and volunteers frequently used multiple personal vehicles to shuttle residents, creating logistical challenges and limiting participation in essential community life and off-site programming.
“With more residents joining our Gospel Village community, our transportation demands have increased dramatically,” said Ray Steadman, Executive Director of Gospel, Inc. “We prayed about how to meet this need, and God provided through a grant from Publix Charities and the support of partners like Regal Automotive, who helped us locate this wonderful van. This gift opens the door for our residents to engage more fully in life-enriching opportunities. Everything from medical appointments to fellowship outings… we are so grateful.”
The ministry’s van was sourced with the assistance of Regal Automotive, a longtime supporter of Gospel, Inc., who aided in identifying a vehicle that would meet both capacity and reliability needs for the community.
Gospel, Inc. is committed to offering not only safe housing but also connection, purpose, and opportunity for formerly homeless individuals in Lakeland. This transportation enhancement aligns with the organization’s mission to cultivate community and dignity for all residents.
Homelessness Remains a Growing Challenge Nationally
The need for ministries like Gospel, Inc. is underscored by the ongoing homelessness crisis in the United States. In our local Polk County, a staggering 1,608 of our neighbors experienced homelessness in 2025.
About Gospel, Inc.
Gospel, Inc. is a Lakeland, Florida-based nonprofit ministry offering Christ-centered community, supportive housing, and micro-enterprise work opportunities to formerly homeless individuals. Through outreach, residential life transformation, and community engagement, Gospel, Inc. seeks to cultivate authentic relationships and provide pathways to stability and flourishing.
About Publix Charities
Publix Charities is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in communities across the Southeast, with a focus on hunger relief, youth programs, and community outreach.
