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.
I’m especially pleased to welcome our new Executive Director, Jessamine Duvall, who begins on May 4. Jessamine brings deep experience, a strong commitment to housing, and a compassion that will serve Bridges and our community well.
I first met Jessamine a few years ago, and I was immediately struck by her thoughtfulness and dedication. Since then, we’ve crossed paths often; at affordable housing groundbreakings, housing justice meetings with the Horizon Foundation, County Council hearings, and community events. We share a deep connection to Howard County and a love for raising our children here in Columbia, which makes this transition feel all the more meaningful.
While stepping away from Bridges is not easy, I do so with a strong sense of confidence and optimism. Knowing Jessamine will lead the organization forward brings both reassurance and excitement for what lies ahead.
It has truly been an honor to serve Bridges for the past twelve and a half years. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity, the experiences, and most importantly the people who have made this work so meaningful.
As I write this, the rainy weather feels fitting, a quiet reminder that growth often comes with change. Just as the rain nourishes nature around us, this transition is part of a new season for me and for Bridges.
Thank you to everyone who has walked alongside me, supported this work, and believed in the mission of Bridges. This is an extraordinary organization, and I have no doubt it will continue to make a lasting impact in our community.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Broderick, LCSW
Executive Director
Singled Out - In a Good Way! DeNise's Story
Now 67, DeNise remembers her life decades ago, when she was married, prosperous, and content. “I know what it’s like not to want,” she said. That was before the divorce, the ravages of alcoholism that took hold after her father died, her serious heart disease, her second husband’s struggles with mental wellness, and their eventual homelessness. She hopes that the downward spiral is over now that Bridges to Housing Stability has found them a comfortable one-bedroom apartment near Columbia.
Renovation Heroes!
Thank you to the Howard County Association of Realtors (HCAR) Community Outreach Committee for renovating one of our Bridges Alliance homes! With the help of long-time supporter and Bridges Alliance reno-guru, Brett Sivo, the crew spackled and repainted a condo housing a Howard County family.
Housing Opportunities with HoCo Home Share
The HoCo Home Share program connects homeowners who have a room to spare with local residents seeking housing, creating mutually beneficial living arrangements. The program expands Howard County's housing options, often at below-market rates, while giving homeowners added financial stability and, when desired, social connection or practical support.
Learn how to apply as a homeowner or homeseeker on our website!
Volunteers Make All the Difference
Volunteers are the backbone of Bridges. Whether they are taking on administrative tasks, advocating for housing in the community, participating in one of our committees, or renovating our office and affordable rental units, we know we couldn’t do this work without them. Thank you to everyone who attended our annual Volunteer Appreciation Day – we can’t wait to see the change you help us make this year!
Beyond Working in Silos
On April 21st, Bridges co-hosted a Collaboration, Training & Resources Exchange to bring together service providers in Howard County. As the nonprofit community grows, it’s easy to lose track of which nonprofits are providing different types of services. This training created a space for open dialogue about current challenges, available resources, and opportunities to better align efforts across our organizations.
When we work together, we can move beyond working in silos and build a coordinated, community-based approach where resources are shared, partnerships are strengthened, and vulnerable members of our community experience a more seamless and supportive system of care.
Thank you to the members of multiple Howard County Government agencies, Howard County Public School System staff, and 15 nonprofits who attended. A special shout out to our speakers:
- Joe Eldred and Kathy Piet - Grassroots Crisis Intervention
- Rose Burton - Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development
- Garshét Homes and Mark Slater - Coordinated Entry System
- Brian Widuch - Maryland Department of Human Services
- Melissa Fitzgibbon - Howard County Public School System
- Sierra Gilliam - House Howard
- Leo Arrazea - Maryland Legal Aid
- Jen Broderick - Bridges to Housing Stability
In Memoriam: David Dittman
On April 13th, a memorial service was held for long-time advocate and Bridges supporter, David Dittman, who passed earlier this January. Dave was dedicated to advocating for people in need, especially those in need of housing. He worked with the Columbia Cooperative Ministries Resettlement Program helping refugees find homes and jobs after the Vietnam War, coordinated volunteers for the Brooklyn and Curtis Bay Housing Coalition, worked with Light Street Housing Corp. as President to rehabilitated South Baltimore homes for people struggling with mental health or substance use disorders, volunteered with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to rebuild homes following Hurricane Katrina, and was a major supporter of Bridges’ work in the community. His work earned him the Howard County Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, and it was well-deserved.
Dave’s passing is a difficult loss for Howard County. Passionate advocates like him don’t come around every day, and his dedication touched more lives than any of us could ever quantify. Thank you, Dave, for everything you did and for being a role model for the generations of advocates who will keep the work going.
Become a Champion for Housing Stability
Your business or group can now support our work to end homelessness long-term! Learn more about each opportunity on our website or download our opportunities to share.
Stable Homes Sponsor
Your sponsorship will be used to fill the gaps in home repairs, upgrades, and replacements in one of our affordable rental properties or transitional homes that are not covered by grant funding.
Stable Housing Champions
By sponsoring one month of services at Bridges, you can help us provide quality case management and financial assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Sponsorship funds may be used to provide rental assistance, prevent an eviction, provide clients with basic necessities, pay for a client's utilities, and so much more.
Thank you to our first Stable Homes Sponsor: Emmanuel United Methodist Church!
Bridges is Hiring!
Bridges to Housing Stability is hiring for one position. To apply, visit www.bridges2hs.org/careers.
Bookkeeper (PT): The Bookkeeper serves the mission of Bridges to Housing Stability, Inc. (Bridges) with numerous daily financial activities. The primary work includes but is not limited to processing invoices (bill entry and check processing), recording credit card transactions, and recording bank deposits, in a timely manner (using Sage Intacct). The Bookkeeper also helps with reconciliations, grant reporting and preparation for the annual audit.