Since 1985, Bridges to Independence has helped over 16,000 homeless children and families in Arlington County, Virginia. What began as a small shelter, has grown into a multifaceted family and children services agency. Bridges empowers families to break cycles of poverty, most of whom live in historically underserved communities.

Often, the families of the children at Bridges are financially insecure with significant debt and bad credit. Families experiencing homelessness often are traumatized by the instability and stigma of homelessness. Nearly all the families at Bridges fall below the extremely low-income threshold and earn less than 30% of the area median income. Many are foreign-born and have limited English language skills, education, and work experience. Some have been impacted by war, eviction, and domestic violence, and all have experienced the chaos and trauma of homelessness. Over half the adults Bridges serves have serious chronic health problems that further complicate their efforts to move their families out of poverty. In Arlington County, 39% of the population are BIPOC, but BIPOC residents make up 96% of those living at or below the poverty line. 80% of the families served at Bridges are BIPOC.

One-third of school-aged children in Arlington County live in and around Green Valley where BIPOC families are disproportionally impacted by homelessness and cycles of poverty that repeat for generations. Half of Arlington residents living below the poverty line reside in Green Valley and the surrounding neighborhoods of South Arlington, where there is also a particularly high rate of single mothers with small children. Within Green Valley, one in four households have less than $35,000 annual income, the unemployment rate is double the national average, and one-third of working-age residents have a high school diploma or less.

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.