Bridges to Independence
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : r*****n@b******2.o*g
Mission Statement
Bridges to Independence leads individuals and families out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures.
About This Cause
Bridges to Independence is a registered 501c3 nonprofit, based in Arlington County, VA, and founded in 1985, as the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless. Donations received go directly toward supporting our mission, which is leading individuals and families out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures. The programs that support Bridges mission are operating Arlington County’s largest emergency family shelter, a housing program called Rapid Rehousing where safe and stable housing is our first priority, a workforce development program, financial empowerment, and a very strong youth development program. Bridges annual budget is approximately $1.7M with 14 full time staff. Approximately 80% of funds raised go directly to program costs, and Bridges is honored to receive the highest level “Platinum Seal of Transparency” from GuideStar, one of the nonprofit industry watchdog groups. Bridges is focused on helping local homeless families transition from homelessness to sustainable lives and empowers low-income families to achieve self-sufficiency. Bridges' vision is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and does so through the following programs: • Shelter: Bridges operates Arlington County’s largest emergency family shelter with approximately 45 beds across 10 apartment units. It is a temporary solution for those with little or no resources. The median length of stay was three months, though thanks to a newly hired housing specialist, Bridges is able to move families in 30 days and has doubled the number of families per month from shelter into housing! • Housing: Bridges provides rental assistance and housing placement support for families, as well as daily case management, through a program called Rapid Rehousing. Through case management, Bridges provides a connection to additional resources for the families for financial, legal, mental health, and medical. • Workforce Development: Bridges provides programming to move families from minimum wage to livable wage by helping them acquire additional certifications or a better paying job through resume support and interviewing practice. • Financial Empowerment: Bridges offers financial empowerment seminars and monthly counseling in a one-on-one setting where volunteers review the individual case, help families create a manageable budget, and ensure they are connected to appropriate federal programs. Case managers also work with the families to raise their financial consciousness and reinforce the benefits of making healthy financial decisions. • Youth Development: Bridges offers programming to any youth currently in shelter, the housing program, or to those who are “alumni” of either, which includes tutoring, mentoring, leadership and entrepreneurial skills, and evening activities such as crafts, cooking, music, swim lessons, and more. The program aids these youth in improving their academic skills, self-esteem, job readiness, health and well-being. The goal is to give the youth the confidence, skills, and tools needed to pursue and complete post-secondary education or vocational training, providing them with a pathway to economic security.