End of Summer Excitement - Bridges to Housing Stability

There’s something exciting about a new school year and the beginning of fall. I always think about my favorite 90’s movie, “You’ve Got Mail”, when the main characters email each other about wanting to buy school supplies and send each other bouquets of newly sharpened pencils.

Here at Bridges, I’m grateful for our partners and volunteers who made it possible for us to give out backpacks and other school supplies so that children in our clients’ households have their own newly sharpened pencils for their return to school. This year, we are providing school supplies to 115 children.

And, thanks to a Maryland grant focused on improving broadband access, we are distributing Chromebooks to households that are below the poverty level.

I’m hopeful that more children in the public schools will move into stable housing this year through our Family Home Start program. The program, launched in February, has housed 86 individuals across 24 households, including 41 children who are enrolled in Howard County schools. Outreach to the school system will be in full swing next

week. Each year, hundreds of children in the school system experience homelessness, and through this program we will continue to bring those numbers down.

Early in September, our two social work interns will begin their graduate field experience with us. We look forward to working with them. Their passion and enthusiasm to help our clients is always contagious.

In a few weeks we will have our 3rd annual Birdies for Bridges golf tournament. Hope you will join us for another beautiful day at Timbers at Troy on September 20th.

Finally, I’m thankful for all the donations to our Summer of Stability campaign this summer! We’ve raised almost $7,500 with just one week left to donate.

Wishing you all back-to-school excitement!

Client Story

The Long Way Back: Bernard's Story

Rock bottom for Bernard was the day he overdosed and landed in Baltimore’s Sinai Hospital — three separate times that day. But the experience also proved to be the start of his long way back to sobriety and a productive life, helped along the journey by the Tuerk House, a Baltimore drug treatment program, and Bridges to Housing Stability. Learn more about Bridges’ work to support Bernard on his journey.

Volunteer Highlight

Thank You, Greg!

Greg Brown has been a Bridges volunteer for only 3 months, but it already feels like he is a long-term member of the team! He assists with updating our donation database, calling clients, assisting with distribution of supplies to clients, and much more. He is willing and eager to help with any task and is a true Jack of All Trades! Greg started volunteering with us because he cares a lot about those experiencing homelessness. He also volunteers with Journey Home in Baltimore City. In his free time, Greg and his wife have traveled all over the world. They are also huge soccer fans. They attended the Women’s World Cup in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, and traveled to the Men’s Copa De America Tournament in Atlanta and Kansas City in 2024. Bridges is so lucky to have Greg as a volunteer. Thank you for everything you do!

Donor Highlight

School Backpacks Help Children Be Ready for School

As the summer winds down, the back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and anticipation for students ready to learn and grow. However, for families facing housing insecurity and tight budgets, the cost of school supplies can be overwhelming. The burden of purchasing essential items can add stress to an already challenging situation, making it difficult for children to start the school year prepared.

We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors who have stepped up to support these families. Thanks to Neighbor Network, Prepare for Success, and First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, we distributed 115 backpacks filled with supplies to our young clients starting school in the coming week.

Additionally, our heartfelt thanks go to Bethany Church Columbia for donating essential household supplies, which were distributed alongside the backpacks. Your contributions ensure that these students and their families can start the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed. Thank you for making a difference in their lives!

Thank You to Our Howard County Funders!

We are deeply grateful this month for our partnerships with two county agencies, the Dept. of Community Resources and Services and the Dept. of Housing and Community Development. Grants from these agencies for our programs in Fiscal Year 2025 will help us support families experiencing housing instability with rapid rehousing services, move-in assistance, long-term supportive housing, and affordable housing. Thank you!

Advocacy Update

Join the Petition for Affordable Housing in Downtown Columbia

Bridges is an active member of the Housing Affordability Coalition of Howard County, which has advocated since 2018 to bring more affordable housing to our community. In 2017, the County Executive

and County Council agreed to a plan to develop over 400 affordable homes in Downtown Columbia.

Today — 7 years later — not one of those homes has been built. Please sign the Coalition’s petition asking County Executive Ball and the County Council to move forward with the agreed plan, because we desperately need additional affordable housing in the county.

One Month Left Until Birdies for Bridges!

Join us at the Sheehy Toyota Birdies for Bridges Golf Tournament on September 20, 2024 at The Timbers at Troy Golf Course. Come prepared for a great day of golf, food, beverages, and fun – all to help end homelessness in Howard County. Your golf registration includes: greens fees, range balls, light breakfast, on course lunch, a post-golf luncheon, awards, raffles, and unlimited on-course domestic beverages.

Thank you to our sponsors!