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.
Our annual Heroes for Housing event is more than a gathering. It is a powerful reminder that housing stability is not the work of one person or one organization. It is the result of a community coming together with a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.
This year, we were proud to honor Grace Morris, Kelly Cimino, and HCAR Cares, these leaders whose dedication positively impacts thousands of our neighbors each year. Their work reflects what makes this community so special: generosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to ensuring housing for all. I’m not big into Marvel or DC superheroes - but the people that work in housing are my superheroes, and I’m still so inspired and in awe of them every day.
Since congregations first came together in 1990 with a bold vision to end homelessness for families and started our journey, Bridges has always been built on partnership. That same collective spirit continues to move us forward today as we work toward a future where we eradicate homelessness in our community.
Thank you for being part of this shared impact.
Jennifer Broderick, LCSW
Executive Director
New Roles, New Opportunities
We were excited to announce the new roles of two of Bridges’ staff!
Danielle Winston, our Lead Housing Advocate, transitioned to her new role leading HoCo Home Share. Over the past 8 years, Danielle provided high-quality case management, stepped up to guide and train new housing advocates, and took over the Tenant Success Program.
Rysmaelle Rene, our Program Assistant, began working as our new HSP Program Associate. Over the past 2 years, Rysmaelle became familiar with our programs, and we were excited to promote her to this newly created role on the HSP team.
Helping Bridges Keep the Lights On
Thank you to the Community Foundation of Howard County for awarding Bridges a $5,000 operating grant!
While not the most glamorous of funding types, operating grants are what keep the lights on in our office, our staff paid to give the best support possible to our clients, and so much more. Grants like this are the foundation of Bridges, and our staff could not serve as many as they do without it.
Compassion that Opens Doors
During the holiday season, faith communities across Howard County and beyond chose to support our work to prevent and end homelessness. Together, 7 communities raised $5,750 to open doors to new opportunities for our clients.
Thank you to Church of the Resurrection, First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, Christ Episcopal Church, Columbia Baptist Fellowship, Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church, Catonsville Presbyterian Church, and Emmanuel United Methodist Church for your support!
Partners in Financial Wellness
MakingChange and the Cash Campaign of Maryland are hosting a wide variety of events and educational programs for the community this month!
MakingChange will be hosting webinars on homeownership, tax strategies to keep more of what you earn, and their March Money Madness series covering budgeting, debt, credit, and savings 101. Learn more here.
The Cash Campaign of Maryland will cover investing, debt management, adulting 101, homebuyer education, credit building, taxes, financial goals, and retirement. Learn more here.
Major Housing Initiative Heads to the County Council
The Housing Affordability Coalition of Howard County is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, March 11, 7:00 - 8:15PM on legislation that could dramatically expand affordable housing opportunities in Howard County.
County Executive Ball has filed legislation requesting that the County Council authorize a ballot referendum that would allow the County to fund the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund capital projects through bonds. If approved, the fund could be backed by a dedicated, long-term funding stream to expand and preserve affordable housing.
Thank You for Celebrating With Us!
Thank you for joining us at 18th & 21st to celebrate leadership, partnership, and the shared belief that everyone in Howard County deserves an affordable place to call home. Together, we raised over $30,000 to support our work to prevent and end homelessness in Howard County.
It was a privilege to honor our three awardees - Kelly Cimino, Grace Morris, and HCAR Cares - but also to honor Executive Director Jennifer Broderick as she prepares to leave Bridges in the spring.
Together, we make progress possible.
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.
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!
