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.
Tracy Broccolino, our Children’s Champion, stated, “Being a children’s champion takes more than one person. It takes deep partnerships, like the ones CAC has with Bridges, with our friends in this room, and so many other friends and organizations across this county. It takes a heart of service, a spirit of innovation, and a commitment to a team approach, all with the outcomes of the child in mind.”
Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development – our Advocate for Change, said, “We’re in this together. This is a united effort not only to address housing instability and insecurity in this state, but also to respond to that very turbulent environment that we find ourselves in in America today…We will continue this fight. The fight, after all, will be won by us on the ground in this country, I assure you of that. And we’ll win it in and with the Maryland General Assembly this session with the Housing for Jobs Act, we’ll win it in Washington, we’ll win it in our towns, and in our communities.”
Chris Prender, General Manager of Sheehy Toyota of Laurel – our Pillar of the Community awardee, said, “We believe that a strong community built on generosity, collaboration, and shared commitment of lifting up one another…At Sheehy Toyota of Laurel, giving back is at the heart of what we do. We understand that our success is directly tied to the well-being of the communities that we serve.”
As one attendee said to me, “It’s so nice to be surrounded tonight by positive people. It gives me hope.”
This event reminds us of the importance of community, our neighbors, and keeping our focus on what we can do to make an impact. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event, and everyone who continues to support Bridges and those we serve in so many ways.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Broderick, LCSW
Executive Director
Client Success
A New Start: Mohamed's Story
After Mohamed and his wife came to the United States decades ago from a politically unstable county, they worked hard to build a life. But when Covid-19 hit, his hours were cut. The family was evicted, and after a time staying with relatives, the family spent long months living in an extended stay motel in Howard County. Now, Mohamed is in a new apartment with his family, has a new job, and is on the right path. Learn more about Mohamed and his new start with the Family Home Start program.
Board of Directors Highlights
Welcome MJ, Katrina, and Kelly!
Bridges is thrilled to welcome three new members to our Board of Directors.
Mary Jean (MJ) Pethick is a graduate of Rutgers University and Georgetown University Law Center. While in law school she was selected to participate in Georgetown’s Washington DC Housing Clinic, where she successfully organized a group of tenants and led them to win a $1 million Tenant Petition case. MJ’s professional career has been focused on surety law and underwriting. She is currently Senior Vice President, Head of Surety Risk Solutions at Zurich North America. As a recent empty nester, MJ is looking forward to spending more time making a positive impact in her community.
Dr. Katrina Fowlkes BSN, RN, CM/DN received her Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship from T.I.U.A School of Business. She is the co-author of “Her Story Our Story,” and the founder and owner of the 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization Perfect Generation Ministries, Inc. and Just Breathe Consulting & Nursing Services, LLC in Columbia. She also works with the Maryland Department of Health as a Compliance Nurse for the Office of Health Care Quality. Her mission is to advocate for others in need.
Kelly McLaughlin is returning to the Bridges Board of Directors. She is an attorney at Enterprise Community Investment, and has been committed to the ideals of affordable housing, both professionally and personally as a volunteer, her entire adult life. She earned her BA in Economics, MBA and JD from the University of Florida and her LLM from Georgetown University Law Center. She lives in Howard County with her husband and two sons.
Celebrating our Housing Heroes
What an incredible night! Heroes for Housing was truly a special gathering, and it wouldn’t have been the same without you.
With your support, we were able to raise $26,950!
The generosity of this community helps us ensure that more families in Howard County will have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. The energy in the room – whether through inspiring conversations, enthusiastic bidding in the silent auction, or celebrating our awardees – was a testament to the power of coming together for a mission that matters.
Help us continue the momentum. Whether through volunteering, spreading awareness, or participating in future events, your role in our mission to prevent and end homelessness in Howard County is invaluable.
Photos from the evening will be available soon, so keep an eye on our Media page and social media accounts! We loved sharing this experience with you and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Vote for Bridges in Target Circle
There’s still time to vote for us on Target Circle’s list of featured nonprofits. Hurry and vote before March 30th so we can serve our community better. Here’s how:
Step 1: Choose ‘My Target’ in the Target app or ‘Account’ on Target.com
Step 2: Tap ‘Cast votes’
Step 3: Find us & vote
Find out more about Target Circle here: www.target.com/circle. Or go to “My Target” on the app and click “cast votes.” Takes less than 1 minute!
Advocacy Update
Housing in Annapolis
Bridges is following two housing Bills and a Shelter Certification bill in Annapolis this legislative session.
Housing for Jobs Act House Bill 503 & Senate Bill 430
This bill would reduce Maryland’s housing shortage by setting targets for new housing production and providing clear standards under which local jurisdictions can deny new housing developments.
Good Cause Eviction Bill House Bill 709 & Senate Bill 651
This bill would allow local jurisdictions to pass Good Cause Evictions laws to protect tenants from unfair evictions. Landlords would need valid reasons to end tenant leases (breaches of lease, nonpayment of rent etc).
Watch the latest Howard County Housing Affordability Coalition webinar here to learn more about these two bills.
Homeless Shelter Certification House Bill 93 & Senate Bill 234
This Bill would establish a homeless shelter certification program; requiring the Department to develop certain operational and building standards for homeless shelters.
The certification program may result in some shelters closing, resulting in more unsheltered homelessness.
Take action & reach out to your legislators as these bills go through the legislature this session.