Bridge Communities latest news & events

Welcome New Program Partner

03/01/2009 11:59 PM

Welcome Lombard Christian Reformed Church (LCRC)

Lombard CRC Partners with Bridge Communities to Help Homeless Families

The Lombard Christian Reformed Church, located at 2020 S. Meyers Road in Lombard, has joined 42 other faith-based and community action groups across DuPage County as a Program Partner with Bridge Communities, the largest transitional housing program in the County, providing over 70,000 housing nights each year.

“Surprisingly, DuPage County is home for 50,000 working poor families who live one paycheck away from becoming homeless,” says Bridge Communities president Mark Milligan. “Our phones ring over 1,100 times a year with calls from persons who are experiencing a housing crisis. We are always looking for new community organizations to partner with us in our mission to help move homeless families from financial instability to a more secure future.”

The Lombard Christian Reformed Church began work with a homeless family from DuPage County in January. The church provides a support structure, financial support, and volunteer mentors who work with the family over the two-year program period. Bridge Communities provides housing and supportive services including employment counseling, educational networking, automobiles, and tutoring. The homeless family, church volunteer mentors and Bridge professional case managers work together to improve the families' financial, educational, employment and familial well-being – all with the goal of self-sufficiency at the end of the two-year program period.

“Lombard Christian Reformed Church is concerned about social justice issues affecting our community. Our participation with Bridge Communities will enable our church to tangibly offer 'a cup of cold water' to individuals in need of assistance,” shares Wayne Postma, Program Partner Leader and member of Lombard Christian Reformed Church. “Our church's vision statement says we will 'impact the surrounding community with acts of service,' so our partnership with Bridge Communities is a natural fit.”

For more information about how to become a Bridge Communities Program Partner, please contact Mark Milligan at (630) 545-0610 ext. 10.

Bridge Communities… connecting homeless families to a better future… is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with offices in Glen Ellyn whose mission is to provide transitional housing to homeless families in DuPage County through partnerships with faith-based and community organizations who provide mentoring relationships which root homeless families into local neighborhoods. In the past 20 years, Bridge Communities has helped over 2,000 people cross the bridge from homelessness to self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

Tellabs Foundation Awards Grant

07/20/2009 11:51 AM

Bridge Communities Receives $18,000 Grant from Tellabs Foundation

Bridge Communities – a not-for-profit, transitional housing program serving homeless families in DuPage County - received an $18,000 grant from Tellabs Foundation. The funds will provide the capital improvements needed to install computer and internet networking in nine Bridge owned transitional housing apartment buildings.

“Reliable internet service is critical to every member within the family as they work towards improving their education, employment and quality of life,” said Joyce Hothan, executive director of Bridge Communities. “Through the generous gift from Tellabs Foundation Bridge will be able to provide reliable internet services, at a very affordable rate, to many of the formerly homeless families served through our Transitional Housing Program.”

Bridge Communities partners with 46 faith-based and community-action groups in DuPage County to serve more than 100 homeless families each year. The community partners provide mentors who encourage and work with a family over a two-year period to help them develop life-skills and financial literacy that will lead to long-term independence.

The Tellabs Foundation was established by Tellabs, a global telecommunications equipment provider based in Naperville, Illinois. The Foundation supports the priority areas of education, health and the environment in communities where Tellabs employees live and work. Since 1997, the Foundation has given more than $12 million to nonprofit organizations. More information about the Tellabs Foundation can be found at www.tellabs.com/about/community.shtml.

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Bridge Communities… connecting homeless families to a better future … is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, with offices in Glen Ellyn, whose mission is to provide transitional housing to homeless families in DuPage County through partnerships with faith-based and community organizations who provide mentoring relationships which root homeless families into local neighborhoods. In the past 22 years, Bridge Communities has helped over 2000 people cross the bridge from homelessness to permanent housing. Visit www.bridgecommunities.org for more information about how Bridge is transforming the lives of DuPage County homeless families.

Bridge Builders Awards $4500 in College Scholarships

09/07/2011 12:26 PM

Bridge Builders provided $4,500 in scholarships to five students of Bridge client families. Congratulations to the 2011-2012 Bridge Builders scholarship recipients:

Joanna, a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Adelbert, a junior at Winona State University in Winona, MN

Adrian, a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago

Roaa, a senior at Columbia College in Chicago

Steffi, a senior at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in Milwaukee, WI

Incoming freshman Joanna is excited to see her dreams becoming a reality. “I have been accepted into the Air Force ROTC program and will be majoring in Aerospace Engineering,” Joanna shared enthusiastically. “My goal is to join the Air Force and eventually to be a commercial pilot. I am very excited for this wonderful opportunity to go away to school, especially a great engineering school!”

Before she departed for school, Joanna left a special message to Bridge Builders and its contributors:

“I am very grateful for this scholarship, and for being in the Bridge Communities program. To receive this scholarship is wonderful. I am so excited to be going to such a great school. Thank you for all your support and all the work you have done over the years to help our family.

“Being in the Bridge program has changed my life. My future would have definitely been different. We would have gone on trying to make ends meet and trying to just get by. Bridge gave us the opportunity to have a better life, especially after all we have been through. I probably would have been in a very different situation. I have always been positive and tried to push forward. But Bridge really made it possible for me to achieve what I want to do. Bridge changed the lives of our entire family.”

“Any child of an active Bridge Communities client family is eligible to apply for a scholarship,” Kathy Doyle, scholarship co-chair for Bridge Builders explained. The applicant must be planning to attend either a two or four year college or trade school.

“We’ve got a very dedicated group of volunteers in Bridge Builders, and they want to see these kids succeed in life,” scholarship co-chair Patricia Lekacz added. “We believe that offering these scholarships is just one more way we can support them on their journeys.”

Bridge Communities is grateful to Bridge Builders for providing the vision to create the scholarships and the dedication to raising funds to make our Bridge kids’ college dreams come true.

Our sincere and hearty congratulations go out to Adelbert, Adrian, Joanna, Roaa and Steffi!

If you would like to learn more about Bridge Builders’ scholarship program, please contact Kathy Doyle at kdoyle196@aol.com or (630) 942-0824 or Patricia Lekacz at plekacz@att.net.

Sleep Out Saturday Imagines and Inspires

01/17/2012 01:53 PM

Over $130,000 was raised to help homeless families in DuPage County cross the bridge from homelessness to self-sufficiency through Sleep Out Saturday, Bridge Communities’ largest fundraising and awareness-building event, held November 3rd. Fifty-two youth, church and community groups slept out in parks and parking lots throughout DuPage County. In addition, dozens of families participated, sleeping in backyards and driveways.

Funds raised through Sleep Out Saturday will directly benefit Bridge Communities’ Transitional Housing Program, which provides homeless families in DuPage County with shelter, case management, employment search and assistance, education and tutoring, counseling, and car donations. Bridge helps over 100 families each year transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency, financial stability and permanent housing.

In addition to fundraising, Sleep Out Saturday serves to raise awareness about the invisible homeless – homeless families – and the lack of affordable housing in DuPage County. Bridge Communities not only provides the Transitional Housing Program but also serves as a tireless advocate for homeless families and for affordable housing options.

Nearly 2,000 people participated in this year’s Sleep Out Saturday.

"This year's theme of "Imagine" really inspired people to reach higher in their goal-setting, to get more creative in their fundraising, and to become more vocal in helping us spread the word about the homeless family crisis in our community," shares Event Manager Jennie Gates. "Every year I'm inspired by what we experience, this year more than ever."

Sleep Out Saturday 2012 is officially in the books, but the need still exists and is greater than ever, as DuPage homeless families struggle to find affordable housing and access basic needs. People interested in learning more about ways to help Bridge Communities in its mission to help homeless families cross the bridge to self-sufficiency should contact Amy Van Polen at (630) 545-0610 ext. 12 or amy.vanpolen@bridgecommunities.org

John Hayner Joins Bridge as New CEO

01/17/2012 01:41 PM

Bridge Communities announces that John Hayner has been hired for the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. This shift moves Bridge forward into a new era of growth and leadership as Bridge transitions into the future.

As CEO, Hayner will be responsible for Bridge’s day to day operations, long-term strategic and organizational planning, and Board communications. Hayner will work with and learn from Mark Milligan, Bridge’s Co-Founder, and Joyce Hothan, Bridge’s Executive Director of Program. Milligan and Hothan will remain actively involved in the leadership of Bridge Communities, and the rest of the staff remains unchanged.

Hayner is a long-time Glen Ellyn resident with a deep background in financial and operations management, entrepreneurship, and non-profit management. He was an active volunteer and board member with Anima Young Singers and Teen-Parent Connection, both in Glen Ellyn. He completed a master’s degree at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration in 2005, where he continues as Adjunct Faculty. Most recently Hayner served as Chief Operating Officer of Perspectives Charter School in Chicago, planning and managing the growth of the school to 2200 students.

Tim Boyd, Bridge Communities Board Chairman states, “After a comprehensive search, we are thrilled to welcome John to his new role. Bridge has ambitious goals and plans for the coming years and we are confident that John, in partnership with Mark Milligan and Joyce Hothan, will meet and exceed our expectations.”

Boyd goes on to say, “John joins Bridge Communities at a time of substantial community need, as so many DuPage County families struggle to find and maintain affordable housing. John’s leadership will strengthen an already highly-skilled team of professional staff and volunteers. Bridge will continue to provide the largest and most effective transitional housing program in DuPage County.” Bridge Communities currently serves the needs of over 100 homeless families a year, providing safe housing, case management, job search assistance, tutoring, counseling, reliable transportation and more.

“I’ve always admired Bridge Communities’ dedication to helping homeless families transition to self-sufficiency and Bridge’s long-standing reputation in DuPage County and beyond,” states John Hayner. “Bridge’s broad-based community support, legions of volunteers for mentoring and tutoring, committed board of directors, and superb staff would be the envy of any human services organization. I am pleased to be coming in to see to the continuation of the great legacy established by Mark, Bob, and Joyce.”

Bridge Receives "Most Engaged Board Award"

07/02/2010 12:31 PM

On February 16th, at the annual Community Memorial Foundation Non-Profit Awards Ceremony, Bridge Communities received the 2009 Most Engaged Board Award. Jim Durkan, President and CEO awarded this great honor to Joyce Hothan, executive director and Laura Allen, board chairperson.

This Award was given to Bridge Communities' board of directors in recognition of its exceptional contributions of volunteerism and financial resources. Bridge Communities' board of directors was specifically noted to actively participate in organizational committees and long-term visioning and strategic planning. Other notables include: 100% of board members financially support the organization, each committee is led by a board member, each member is actively fundraising through participation at events, annual giving campaigns and stewardship of significant donors.

The Award included a $1,000 unrestricted contribution that will be used to support the Transitional Housing Program and the 100 families Bridge serves.

Bridge Communities is recognized as an expert community organization in regards to issues surrounding homelessness and affordable housing, its board of directors engage very proactively to support and fulfill our mission and vision.

Bridge Builders

03/01/2009 11:58 PM

Creating a Bridge to a Brighter Future

Bridge Builders began with a desire to help homeless families in our communities. It was founded in 2003 by a small group of Glen Ellyn friends who wanted to increase awareness about Bridge Communities, as well as sponsor entertaining, fun and educational opportunities for client families - in particular the children.

Over the years, Bridge Builders has offered several educational seminars and family-focused activities that have helped enrich client families' experiences while in the Bridge Communities Transitional Housing Program. Bridge Builders has sponsored nutrition counseling sessions, cooking workshops, relationship and dating workshops, family picnics and other family fun activities. Bridge Builders has helped underwrite costs for summer day and overnight camps, music lessons, family portraits, holiday meals and special family events, such as a basketball game to see the Harlem Globe Trotters. Bridge Builders also provides child care for client families at Bridge Communities' sponsored events and meetings.

Bridge Communities' Scholarship Fund

But what Bridge Builders is most proud of is the scholarship program developed for the youth that are in the Transitional Housing Program. Bridge Builders' Scholarship Fund is designed to enrich the lives of teens and young adults in the Bridge Communities program through traditional education, social, health, fitness and personal development.

Funds raised for the Scholarship Fund have helped children/youth:

attend YMCA fitness camp
attend Bulls basketball skills camp
attend local park district football camp
participate in karate lessons
participate in a class field trip to Springfield, Illinois
attend College of DuPage education courses
purchase electric scooter for physically challenged high school student
attend overnight summer camps
attend overnight Christian faith development and leadership camps
participate in Equine Therapy Camp for a child who had been in foster care

Most notably, the Bridge Builder's Scholarship Fund has provided SIX renewable $1,500 college scholarships to graduating high school seniors that are attending accredited universities, including:

Southern Illinois University
University of Illinois at Chicago
College of DuPage
Benedictine University
Milwaukee School of Engineering

The Garage Party

Bridge Builders sponsors one of Glen Ellyn's favorite fundraising events each year: The Garage Party

The Garage Party

Held annually at the beginning of the year, The Garage Party is the "IT" party of the season. Proceeds from The Garage Party benefit Bridge Communities' Auto Donation Program. Many homeless families enter the Transitional Housing Program with no car or one that soon breaks down. Donated used cars are refurbished and given to clients in need of safe, reliable cars for commuting to work and transporting children to school and child care. The Auto Donation Program is a critical piece to getting client families back on the road to self-sufficiency.

Each February, over 400 guests enjoy The Garage Party at Gearhead European Auto Repair. Bridge Builders raise approximately $20,000 each year to support the Auto Donation Program.

Become a Bridge Builder

Bridge Builders continues to grow through its membership, fundraising events and geographical impact:

If you are interested in becoming a Bridge Builder, please contact Barbara Arentsen at arentsen@wowway.com
If you are interested in expanding Bridge Builders to your community, please contact Sue Lupori at slupori@att.net
If you are interested in joining the Bridge Builders event mailing list, please contact Kathy Doyle at kdoyle196@aol.com
If you are interested in donating to Bridge Builders, please contact Patricia Lekacz at plekacz@att.net
If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor, please contact Deb Ritter at deb@ritter.name
If you have other questions or ideas to help, please contact Carrie Morris at camorris@wideopenwest.com

Bridge Communities Purchases New Building in Westmont

08/03/2011 10:54 AM

Bridge Communities, the largest provider of transitional housing in DuPage County, recently purchased a six-flat apartment building in the Village of Westmont. By purchasing the building, Bridge Communities will be able to provide homes for six homeless families who are crossing the bridge from homelessness to self-sufficiency through Bridge Communities’ Transitional Housing Program.

Already, two families have moved into Bridge Communities’ new apartment building in Westmont. In addition to housing, those families are benefiting from services that include employment counseling and coaching, educational opportunities, tutoring, and financial planning through the multi-faceted Transitional Housing Program.

Bridge Communities continues to forge partnerships with local Program Partners in Westmont and the surrounding area to provide support and services to its client families. Program Partners are churches and other community organizations that volunteer to partner with Bridge Communities in its mission to transition families out of homeless into self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

“Identifying a new building to add to our inventory of homes for the families we serve is a great step forward,” says Bridge Communities’ president Mark Milligan. “We are very pleased to be able to serve six more families in Westmont with the purchase of these apartments. The more homes we can make available, the more lives we can touch and families we can help move toward independence.”

Bridge Communities, Inc. is a dynamic, grassroots, nonprofit organization committed to transforming the lives of homeless families in DuPage County through partnering with talented, resourceful individuals and groups in the community. Its program of transitional housing, mentoring and supportive services empowers the families to increase life skills and earning power to promote self-sufficiency, sustain permanent housing, and to break the cycle of poverty within the family unit. What began by co-founders Mark Milligan and Bob Wahlgren when they decided, in 1988, to begin to help homeless families, has now become a powerful current of change in the lives of hundreds of extremely low to low income at-risk families. To make a donation to support homeless families served by Bridge Communities, or to find out how to support Bridge in other ways, please call Mark Milligan at (630) 545-0610, ext.10 or mark.milligan@bridgecommunities.org, or visit www.bridgecommunities.org.

Bridge Family Receives Home Makeover

05/14/2012 11:03 AM

In what could only be described as an extreme act of kindness, 12 Naperville area businesses came together to completely make over the apartment inhabited by Bridge Communities graduate Megan DeAngelis and her two sons. Megan and her boys were previously homeless, successfully completed Bridge’s Transitional Housing Program and are now renting an apartment through Bridge Communities’ Pathways Program, which offers affordable housing at a below-fair-market price.

The makeover, coordinated by Vicky Joseph, Bridge Communities’ Naperville Outreach Coordinator, brought together 12 incredibly generous business leaders interested in giving back in their own community, which has been so supportive of them.

“Naperville’s so good to us, and we want to give back in a meaningful, tangible, powerful way,” states Dave Martin, owner of Russell Martin Carpet & Rugs. “From our initial conversation with Vicky, I knew this was a project we wanted to do.”

“Not one single person turned us down as we looked for resources,” notes Vicky Joseph. “Everyone was so generous. It was hard work! It’s only a three room apartment, so they had to move everything around and back again. Not one grumble! They could not have been more lovely to work with. They were excited about what they were doing and excited that this was going to change this family’s life. It was heartwarming.”

From conception to completion, the makeover project took five months, with the “reveal” taking place Monday, April 9 after Megan and her boys returned from a vacation visiting family. The makeover included carpeting installed throughout the three room apartment, all walls painted, kitchen and bathroom tile flooring, kitchen cabinets and countertops, appliances, light fixtures, furniture, window treatments, décor, and a major organizing overhaul of every room. The entire process was documented by Neil Gates Photography and Sikich Marketing and Design Services and has been produced into a video documentary.

“Everyone involved worked so hard to make this dream a reality,” comments Jennie Gates, event manager for Bridge Communities and one of the Bridge staff members dedicated to the project. “But nobody worked harder than Megan,” she says.

Vicky Joseph concurs, adding, “Megan is such a hard worker with the most amazing attitude. I’ve seen her go from the very lowest point in her life to such a positive, constructive place in her life. She’s an amazing mom with great kids. She’s the kind of woman you want to see only good things in her life. Having a lovely home, even though it’s tiny, is really important to her.”

Megan’s reaction upon seeing her completely made-over apartment was one of pure delight. “I can have guests over now!” she exclaimed. “I've never felt comfortable inviting people over before. Although it was full of love, I was always embarrassed at the way my house looked.”
Megan has embraced this process of change as more than just a home makeover; she is working diligently on improving several aspects of her life.

“What I see in Megan is the determination to keep on keeping on,” Joseph shares. “She told us she’s lost 40 pounds since this [home makeover] started. So there’s been a physical change. She’s going to continue her education; she works all day at Benedictine University and takes graduate classes at night. She’s so motivated and excited. Megan feels that life is good and the world is kind. The gift of this home makeover is giving her the energy to keep on keeping on. It’s not easy being a single mom, especially on her budget. But she’s working hard and making the most of all life has to offer.”
Bridge Communities is currently exploring the opportunity to continue the makeover project to help more Bridge client graduate families improve their living spaces.

The complete list of makeover contributors consists of: Ken Limong, Applied Construction Concepts; Dave Martin, Russell Martin Carpet and Rugs; Debra and Doug Lellbach, Lellbach Builders; Bob Jung, Bob Jung Painting and Decorating; Jeannie Triezenberg, Hire Order; Troy Marcum, Sherwin-Williams; Art Balducci, Ashely Furniture HomeStore Naperville; Chris Cash, Paul and Mary Ann Junkroski, Roseland Draperies and Interiors; Mark Brown, M Brown and Associates; Tony DiSandro, HomeGoods; Matt Stout, Sikich; Neil Gates, Photographer; Cara Phillips, Studio 41; Patrick McCliney, Pro Source; and Chuck Cozette and Lauren Dixon, West Suburban Living Magazine.

J.R. Albert Foundation Funds Nutritional Workshops

08/03/2011 10:34 AM

Bridge Communities, the largest provider of transitional housing for homeless families in DuPage County, received a $20,000 grant from The J.R. Albert Foundation to fund “Bridging the Gap Between Healthy Eating and Busy Living,” a nutritional workshop series for its client families.

“We know that our families lack nutritional information, but they certainly do not lack motivation,” explains Vicky Joseph, Bridge Communities’ Naperville Community Outreach Coordinator and the program’s creator. “So if we are able to present healthy options and institute this program component on a regular basis to families when they enter Bridge’s Transitional Housing Program, there is a better chance they can adopt the meal preparation into their goal plan in order to make it part of their daily living. It’s about giving them access to nutritional information, healthy food, and quick, easy ways to prepare it.”

Through the grant, 20 homeless families in Bridge Communities’ Transitional Housing Program will benefit from pro-bono nutritional lectures by a registered dietician, an educational piece for children, ingredients to use in the meals, and special gifts at each session, which will include items like spices, take away containers, cutting knives, cookbooks and recipe binders. In all, participants will attend four five-hour classes where the preparation, cooking, lectures, and lunches will take place.

Bridge Communities has already conducted two pilot nutrition workshops in Naperville, both of which were well attended and received positive response.

Jennifer Scott, who attended the pilot programs, raves, “I thought it was awesome. I learned a lot about eating healthy and about making food really quick.” She adds, “I learned about expiration dates and choosing fresh fruits and healthier cooking oils. We used to go through so much vegetable oil! Now I’m baking more, and I’m using more olive oil. We’re eating more wheat bread, and I even bought wheat flour.”

“Our aim is to have a positive life-long impact on our families’ physical and financial health,” stresses Joyce Hothan, Executive Director of Bridge Communities. “By the time our client families have completed the program series, the information taught will be reviewed and reinforced with the goal that it all will become a part of their daily living.”

That goal is already becoming a reality for Jennifer Scott. “I have acid reflux,” she shares. “Now I don’t have heartburn nearly as much because of the changes I’ve made in my diet.”

The J.R. Albert Foundation is a private foundation established in 2007, in Kansas City, Missouri, which makes grants in the United States to support health and nutrition research and programming.

News

01/08/2009 04:42 PM

News

Events

01/09/2009 10:13 AM

Fundraising Events to Support Bridge Communities

Bridge Communities hosts or is the beneficiary of several annual fundraising events:

Sleep Out Saturday is the flagship event for Bridge Communities. Held the first Saturday of November, Sleep Out Saturday brings together more than 1,500 DuPage County residents to raise awareness about family homelessness and funds for the Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program.
Glen Ellyn Garden Walk has become an unofficial gateway into summer. The Garden Walk features approximately six private gardens located in historic Glen Ellyn. Each year, featured gardens provide guests with a variety of gardening themes, entertaining spaces and plant species. Held in June, the Glen Ellyn Garden Walk benefits the Transitional Housing Program for Bridge Communities.
Celebrating Women...Transforming Lives honors the women that give and those that benefit from Bridge Communities services. Bridge Communities has touched the lives of thousands of women since its inception in 1988. This event is an opportunity to say thank you and recognize the amazing women that Bridge is honored to serve.
Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk is hosted by the Glen Ellyn office of Baird and Warner Realtors and benefits the Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program. Kitchen Walk guests are dazzled by some of Glen Ellyn's most beautiful, extravagant and charming kitchens. Held the first Friday of October, the Kitchen Walk concludes with an elegant cocktail party at the Walk's signature sponsor, Drury Design Kitchen and Bath Studio. More information can be found at www.kitchenwalk.org.
The Garage Party is hosted by the Bridge Builders and has developed into the "IT" party of the winter season. Join hundreds of friends at Gearhead European Automotive in downtown Glen Ellyn and dance the night away to live rock music while you enjoy delicious food and drink. The Garage Party benefits the Auto Donation Program for Bridge Communities.
Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-Off is hosted by a dedicated band of volunteers who are passionate about barbeque and their community. Benefiting the homeless families in Bridge's Transitional Housing Program, the BBQ takes place the first Saturday in September and features an amateur BBQ cook-off, live blues, cornhole tournament, and fun for the whole family. More information is available at http://www.glenellynbackyardbbq.com.

For more information about any of the Bridge Communities fundraising events, please contact Jennie Gates at jennie.gates@bridgecommunities.org or (630) 545-0610 ext. 19.

If you are interested in hosting a fundraising event to benefit Bridge Communities, we would be happy to hear your ideas and lend our professional expertise. Please contact Amy Van Polen at amy.vanpolen@bridgecommunities.org or (630) 545-0610 ext. 12.

03/02/2009 12:10 AM

Connections - A Publication for Friends of Bridge Communities

Published two times per year - spring and fall - Connections gives friends of Bridge Communities a closer look at programs, upcoming events and client accomplishments. Each issue features a current client or graduate and shares their struggles and ultimate success of achieving permanent housing, financial stability and self-sufficiency.

Fall 2012 Newsletter

Spring 2012 Newsletter

Fall 2011 Newsletter

Spring 2011 Newsletter

Fall 2010 Newsletter

Spring 2010 Newsletter

Fall 2009 Newsletter

Spring 2009 Newsletter

Bridge Communities publishes an annual report every year. View the Bridge Communities 2011 annual report.

Media Center

01/09/2009 10:14 AM

Keep In Touch

Bridge Communities strives to keep our constituents, public policy makers, and the community at-large informed about the issues surrounding family homelessness and affordable housing.

Bridge Communities Blog

Join the discussion with Bridge Communities' executive director, program staff, clients and volunteers. A representative from Bridge Communities posts an entry at least once a week with information about client accomplishments, topics related to mission, messages from clients and volunteers, upcoming special events and public policy issues.

Bridge Communities Statistics and Program Outcomes

Bridge Communities has helped 588 families cross the bridge from homelessness to self-sufficiency and permanent housing. In 1999, Bridge began to survey client families one year after they exited the two-year Transitional Housing Program. Results from the 2012 surveys indicate that while in the Transitional Housing Program, Bridge client families developed the skills necessary to achieve productive, self-sufficient lives.

View Client Outcomes

View Program Statistics