Help us build bridges to brighter futures for children and families experiencing homelessness.

Every family wants the comfort and security of their home, but this is impossible for too many without Bridges to Independence. Our family shelter is full, and demand for our youth-centered emergency housing is at an all-time high!

The good news is that thanks to generous donors like you, in 2024 Bridges helped:

129 people transition from our emergency family homeless shelter into stable, secure housing.
243 children navigate the trauma of homelessness through our youth development programs.
259 people receive emergency funds to help them pay their rent and remain housed.
100% of high school seniors at Bridges graduate on time and enter higher ed and/or the workforce for the sixth year in a row.
78 adults find a pathway to employment with livable wages within the Workforce Development Program.

We need your help to meet increased demand and ensure families have a place to call home.

$2,000 - Bridging the Gap: Emergency rent aid for struggling families.
$1,000 - Training and Transformation: Job training for independence.
$500 - Feeding Families: Nourishing meals for families in need.
$250 - Afterschool Adventures: Youth development program participation for breaking poverty cycles.
$100 - Supporting Skills and Studies: GED, ESL course fees for job access; job certification fees
$50 - Everyday Essentials: Personal care items; transportation aid; household items.

Bridges empowers families to break cycles of poverty through its programs, which include:

Sullivan House- Arlington County’s emergency family shelter, which has approximately 50 beds across 10 separate apartment units. It is a temporary solution for those with little or no resources. While there, families receive intensive case management – assessing their situation, providing Bridges program resources, or referring to other resources. The families are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, are welcomed with open arms, and receive whatever immediate needs they may have – food, diapers, personal supplies, basic kitchen items, gift cards and more – thanks to donations from the community. The length of stay generally is between 30-90 days, and while Bridges works with the families to move them into permanent solutions – a home of their own, with another family member or friend, or out of Arlington County where they may have other family connections.

Rapid Rehousing Program- A rental assistance and housing placement support for families. Through case management in this program, Bridges provides a connection to additional resources for the families for financial, legal, mental health, and medical needs. Through partnerships with landlords in the community, Bridges helps families secure and maintain a lease in their own name, which assists them in establishing a foundation for good credit.

Workforce Development Program- Bridges provides programming to move families from minimum wage to livable wage by helping them acquire additional certifications or further their education, such as supporting them in obtaining their GED or helping enroll them in ESL classes. The program also helps families get a better paying job through resume support, interviewing practice, sharing job leads, and job fair opportunities. One-on-one mentoring support is provided, and Bridges meets them where they are to tailor an action plan for them going forward. By becoming economically self-sufficient, this will enable families to sustain permanent housing and build longer-term financial security.

The Bonder & Amanda Johnson Community Services Center- Located in Green Valley, this center serves as a walk-in referral and information resource center to community members in need of support. Case management services are provided if additional support is needed. Additionally, health screenings may be offered, as well as additional community classes, such as parenting, tenant rights, community events and more. This center is in the heart of Green Valley and is a cornerstone for community services to its residents.

Youth Development Program- Bridges offers programming to any youth currently in shelter, the housing program, or to those who are “alumni” of either. This programing includes tutoring, mentoring, leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and evening activities such as crafts, cooking, music, swim lessons, and more. The program aides these youth in improving their academic skills, self-esteem, job readiness, health and well-being. The goal is to give the children the confidence, skills, and tools needed to pursue and complete post-secondary education or vocational training, providing them with a bridge to economic security.

To navigate back to the main Bridges to Independence website, click here.

FAQs

Is this donation tax deductible?

YES! We are an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code: EIN 54-1368484.

What other ways can I support Bridges to Independence?

To learn more about making a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds, supporting Bridges to Independence through your Donor Advised Fund, or planning to submit a corporate match, please reach out to Rbolton@bridges2.org

We are always looking for volunteers to support our children in our youth program. Please email volunteer@bridges2.org to share your time availability and to learn more.

Bridges holds various events throughout the year. To see what events are coming up, please click here

How can I stay up to date with the impactful work happening at Bridges to Independence?

We'd love to keep you informed of our work. Sign up for our monthly newsletter here.

Can I follow Bridges to Independence on social media?

YES! Follow us @bridges2indep

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Your support will help historically underserved children and families transition from homelessness to stable, independent futures. This year marks our 40th anniversary of building bridges and beating the odds.