It’s not just a new beginning for the individuals, but a new beginning for the community. WE need a new beginning, a new imagination about what life is worth and what our community is missing out on because some of our neighbors are not being included due to lack of proper housing and support.

The conditions that the majority of homeless persons living outside experience are unsanitary, unsafe, unsupported, and uncontrolled – creating both public health and personal safety hazards. Our solution involves creating new conditions: a community that is safe and supported where people are empowered to make a fresh start.

Inspired by communities like Square One villages in Eugene, Oregon, our innovative project welcomes people to come in from the streets just as they are, surrounds them with personal support plus health and housing resources, then works together to address the root causes of their homelessness.

Bridge Housing is a community model that accommodates people who may not have identification documents, may not be sober from drugs and alcohol, may not take their prescribed medications, and often face severe re-housing barriers such as criminal or credit background issues. Bridge housing consists of dignified, temporary accommodations where people stabilize while working on the challenging task of moving out into a more permanent home where they can thrive and contribute.

In a society with rising rents and gaping holes in the health and mental health safety nets, we believe Bridge Housing is an innovative, effective solution to ending chronic homelessness.