The recent winter storm and lingering frigid temperatures arrived during the same week as the national Point in Time (PIT) count, reminding us how essential safe, affordable housing is for our neighbors.
I’ve always preferred a plan to a surprise. Yet at this year’s Heroes for Housing Celebration, I was reminded that sometimes the most meaningful moments are the unexpected ones, especially when they give us the chance to pause and celebrate one another.
I’ll let you in on a secret: public speaking terrifies me. Despite years in executive leadership and even serving as a Columbia Toastmasters president, the introvert in me still struggles every time I step up to the mic. But advocacy isn’t about being a perfect orator; it’s about your very important voice.
In this, my final newsletter message as Executive Director of Bridges to Housing Stability, I’m taking a moment of reflection, gratitude, and genuine excitement for what comes next.
Columbia, Md. – Bridges to Housing Stability (Bridges), a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County, announces today the appointment of Jessamine Duvall as the organization’s new executive director. Duvall, who … Read More
Dear Friends of Bridges, I am writing today to share some personal news. After more than 12 years with Bridges to Housing Stability, including seven as executive director, I will soon be stepping down to pursue other professional and … Read More
On July 24th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” which would make it easier for states and localities to criminalize homelessness. This comes one year after the Supreme Court City of Grants Pass, Oregon vs Johnson in June 2024 allowing jurisdictions to arrest, fine and ticket unhoused people for sleeping outside, even when adequate shelter or housing is not available.
My love for gardening, despite my admittedly lazy approach, offers a simple analogy for the Housing First approach to ending homelessness.
There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, which is why it was so nice to be surrounded by people dedicated to making a difference in our state and community at our Heroes for Housing event earlier this month. I was inspired by our awardees and their messages to us.
The cold weather in Maryland makes me so grateful to live in a warm, safe home. At the same time, I worry about our unsheltered neighbors and those facing utility shut offs. The latest national data available – from January, 2024 – revealed that over 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness, including 150,000 children. That is about 200,000 more people than live in Baltimore.