The cold weather in Maryland makes me so grateful to live in a warm, safe home. At the same time, I worry about our unsheltered neighbors and those facing utility shut offs. The latest national data available – from January, 2024 – revealed that over 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness, including 150,000 children. That is about 200,000 more people than live in Baltimore.
These are heartbreaking numbers, and yet they are acknowledged to be an undercount. The data includes only the people experiencing homelessness who could be found during the one-night Point In Time count in January 2024. Many other people chose not to be surveyed or could not be located because they were staying in vehicles or other places not meant for human habitation, such as abandoned buildings.
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, our community will conduct its 2025 Point in Time Count. Although the number of people experiencing homelessness in Howard County has decreased in recent years, overall homelessness is increasing in Maryland. Housing scarcity, low vacancy rates, and unaffordable rents all contribute to this crisis.
Despite the numerous barriers we face to solving the crisis, I find hope in the many people and businesses that are stepping up to help. On Feb. 17, we’re bringing back our Heroes for Housing event to celebrate those who are working for change and supporting the important work we do in our community. I hope you will join us to recognize these heroes.
Jennifer Broderick, LCSW
Executive Director
Join Us to Celebrate Heroes for Housing
Join us on Feb. 17 at 18th & 21st in Columbia from 6-9 pm for food, cocktails, silent auction, music, and a celebration of three amazing heroes for housing.
This year, we are presenting three awards. Tracy Broccolini receives the Children’s Champion award, Jake Day (Maryland’s Secretary of Housing and Community Development) receives the Advocate for Change award, and Sheehy Toyota of Laurel receives the Pillar of the Community award.
Together, we’ll honor these community leaders and celebrate their work to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in Howard County. Tickets and sponsorships are available now.
Client Success
From Adversity to Stability: Aliyah's Story
Years of troubles dogged Aliyah and her children, but the final straw that forced her and her three youngest out of their Columbia apartment was the mold and related illnesses that followed after a shoddy repair of a broken water pipe. Now, she and her children are living in a Columbia townhouse, and their life has stabilized. Learn more about Aliyah and her journey from adversity to stability with the Family Home Start program.
Program Update
Family Home Start: One Year Later
One year ago, we launched the Family Home Start program to provide move-in assistance for Howard County Public School students and their families experiencing homelessness. Since the program’s launch:
42 families have been rehoused, comprising 155 individuals — including 74 children in County schools.
A total of 71 families have received services, including case management and assistance with their housing search. These families comprised over 250 individuals, including 149 children – of whom 128 were enrolled in County schools.
An additional 11 families are pending case management.
If you know a family with schoolchildren that might need assistance from our Family Home Start program, please point them to the application form: fm.addxt.com/f/?t=aEXIhg
We are grateful for funding assistance for this program from the Howard County Dept. of Housing and Community Development.
A Day of Service at Glen Mar UMC
Bridges was excited to spend Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Glen Mar Church, celebrating community spirit and collective impact during a day of service. This year, community members created 250 birthday cards that will be sent throughout the year to our clients!
Thank you to Glen Mar Church for hosting in collaboration with Ames Memorial UMC and St. John Baptist Church — and for giving the community a chance to give back.
Donor Highlight
Thank You for Giving the Gift of Home
Bridges is thrilled to share some amazing news: together, our end of year and Giving Tuesday campaigns raised $74,125 to support people in need in Howard County! This incredible achievement was possible only because of your generosity and unwavering support of our community and our mission. Your support allows us to serve the individuals and families in the community who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Because of you, vulnerable families in Howard County have a brighter, more stable future. Thank you for making this possible!
Vote for Bridges in Target Circle
We are honored and excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us!
Now through March 30, 2025, vote for us through the Target Circle program to help determine how Target’s donation will be divvied up. 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!
We’re asking our supporters to help us make the most of this incredible opportunity. Every vote counts to help us receive a portion of the available Target funds as we continue our mission to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County.
Don’t forget, as you earn more votes, you can keep voting multiple times during the campaign!
Thank you for your support, and we encourage you to share your support for us (and your thanks to Target) on social media throughout the duration of the voting!
Funder Highlight
Thank You Community Foundation of Howard County
Each year, the Community Foundation of Howard County awards Community Grants awards to nonprofits throughout Howard County. This year, a total of $185,500 will be distributed across 50 different organizations to improve the lives of Howard County residents.
Bridges is grateful to the Community Foundation and the members of the grants committee who chose to support Bridges with a $4,000 grant for homeless solutions, advocacy services, and homelessness-prevention programs!
Funder Highlight
Bridges Receives Two Grants for Housing Advocacy
We’re delighted to announce two new grants from the Horizon Foundation to support our advocacy work for housing justice.
One grant, for 2025, will support Bridges’ collaboration with other community service agencies to advocate for expanded housing services for vulnerable Howard County residents.
The second grant, for 2025-26, will support Bridges’ work in community organizing and housing advocacy. Bridges will work in a cohort with other non-profit organizations to advocate for more equitable land-use policies in Howard County and across the state. Other grantees include Economic Action Maryland, People Acting Together in Howard (PATH), Community Development Network of Maryland, and CASA Maryland.
