This year marks my eleventh at Bridges — and it’s one for the history books. For the first time ever, we have helped to rehouse 100 households — comprising 305 individuals — in just the first nine months of the year! We also reached a major milestone: 60 units of affordable housing in our portfolio. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our clients, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Behind each rehousing success is a story of perseverance. Our clients must overcome mounting barriers in a housing market that is more challenging than ever. Sadly, the number of households experiencing homelessness in our community increased from 2024 to 2025, and while our progress has been significant, the stark reality is that the need in our community continues to outpace our growth.
We’re deeply grateful to the Howard County Government for its continued commitment to addressing homelessness. As the Coalition to End Homelessness prepares our county’s next five-year plan, we know the road ahead will require even more collaboration, innovation, and resolve.
This is also a landmark year for Bridges — our 35th anniversary. From helping just one family in our first year to supporting hundreds today, we’ve come a long way. And none of it would be possible without the unwavering generosity of our volunteers and donors. Thank you for believing in this work and in our community.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Broderick, LCSW
Executive Director
Client Success
Stepping Stones to Stability: Gary’s Story
After years of driving trucks and delivering large appliances, Gary’s knees gave out. Burdened with pain and debts, he first lost his job, then his apartment, and found himself homeless, living along U.S. 1 in Howard County. Now 66, he has a one-bedroom apartment in Columbia, thanks to Bridges to Housing Stability.
Learn more about Gary and how Bridges supported him on his path to stability.
After the Pandemic, Some Families Still Need Help
Bridges staff members are working with Howard County’s Department of Housing and Community Development to distribute the remaining Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP2) funds allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funding from the program is for households negatively impacted by COVID-19 that need rental assistance and that have not previously received more than 18 months of assistance through this funding. So far, six families have received assistance.
This funding covers back rent and additional housing costs, including utilities and late, fees allowing these individuals and families to stay in their homes and maintain stable housing. Funding must be fully spent by June 30, 2025.
Celebrating Our Interns!
Thank you to our amazing interns!
Bridges is incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of our 2024-2025 University of Maryland Social Work Interns, April and Latoya. Throughout the year, they have worked with clients through housing assessments and applications, rehousing and move-in, home visits, community outreach and service coordination, client surveys, and provided support for walk-in clients.
Together, they have supported 15 families! While Latoya will be staying on with Bridges a few more weeks to provide part-time support, we are so proud of everything they have both accomplished and can’t wait to see where their paths lead next.
Funder Spotlight
New Programs and Upgrades Funded by the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund!
Bridges recently received funding from the Howard County Housing Opportunities Trust Fund to support renovations for our affordable rentals and to launch a new home sharing project!
The Affordable Housing Preservation project will improve the housing conditions of our affordable rentals with maintenance and upgrade needs, ensuring our homes remain functional and healthy for our clients. Funds will be used to replace old HVAC systems, flooring, water heaters, window, doors, and roofing, and to upgrade electrical wiring.
Bridges will also be launching a pilot Home Sharing Program for Howard County homeowners and home seekers. This program will connect homeowners who have a spare room in their home with people who need a place to live. Homeowners will benefit by receiving rental income, and having a social connection with a tenant, and home seekers will gain access to additional, and often affordable, rental opportunities.
We’re excited to have these new opportunities at Bridges.
Thank You for Supporting Bridges through Target Circle
Thank you so much for voting for us in the Target Circle Giving Program. We received $3,690 to help us further our mission to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County, MD, with help from your generous votes (over 75,000 of them).
This donation came from a larger pool of funds donated from Target to nonprofits that serve the local community. View all the results at target.com/circle. Continue checking our website and social media channels to learn more about our work. Again, thank you to everyone who participated, spread the word, and shared the love.
Birdies for Bridges Returns!
The 4th annual Sheehy Toyota Birdies for Bridges Golf Tournament is set and ready for launch! The tournament will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at The Timbers at Troy Golf Course. Your day will include a full day of golf, food, beverages, and fun – all to benefit Bridges and our work to prevent and end homelessness.
Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available!
