📍 Daytona Beach, FL — What began as a desperate search for help has turned into a story of resilience and renewal for Ms. Koch, a Volusia County resident who found herself on the brink of homelessness. Thanks to the innovative Social Worker in the Libraries program and the life-changing Pedal Forward Project, Ms. Koch is now on a path toward stability, independence, and self-sufficiency.
Just weeks ago, Ms. Koch’s situation was dire. Her vehicle was inoperable, leaving her without reliable transportation. Her housing situation had deteriorated to the point where she was facing imminent homelessness. With few options and nowhere to turn, she walked into her local library—hoping for answers.
What she found was more than information. She found a lifeline.
The Social Worker in the Libraries program, operated by Volusia County Public Library in partnership with the Community Assistance Division, places trained social workers in library branches across the county to meet with residents in need. These professionals provide personalized guidance, referrals, and access to critical services ranging from housing and employment to mental health and transportation2.
For Ms. Koch, the program delivered exactly what she needed. She was connected to transitional housing, giving her a safe and stable place to live while she works toward long-term solutions. But the support didn’t stop there.
Recognizing her need for transportation, the library’s social worker also enrolled Ms. Koch in the Pedal Forward Project—an award-winning initiative that provides refurbished bicycles to low-income, job-seeking adults who lack reliable transit options. With her new bicycle, Ms. Koch can now commute to work, begin saving for car repairs, and take steps toward securing permanent housing.
The Pedal Forward Project is powered by a coalition of community partners, including Sheriff Chitwood’s Youth Foundation, VOTRAN, First Presbyterian Church of New Smyrna, and Friends of the Library. Each bicycle comes with a lock and a fitted helmet, ensuring recipients have everything they need to travel safely and confidently.
Ms. Koch’s story is a testament to what happens when public services meet people where they are—with compassion, creativity, and commitment. It’s also a reminder that libraries are more than places for books—they are hubs of hope.
For residents facing similar challenges, Volusia County encourages scheduling an appointment with a library social worker or visiting during walk-in hours. Help is available. And as Ms. Koch’s journey shows, sometimes the first step toward rebuilding your life is walking through the doors of your local library.
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