Since 2001, Bridge of Hope has provided basic services such as a place to come out of the inclement weather and rest, receive a hot meal, toiletries, shower, washer and dryer access, a clothing room, and literacy education. The objective was to make space for those who the larger community deemed a nuisance. In 2020, BOH underwent a massive leadership change from the founders to a new Executive an
d Board of Directors. Amid a global pandemic, the new leadership evaluated the programs and services to understand what was most impactful and essential in helping clients achieve health and economic stability. After a few months of going through an intensive strategic planning process, BOH leaders made the decision to narrow its focus to a single program, The Bridge Program, that could yield the highest results in moving clients towards sobriety, permanent housing, accessible and equitable healthcare, and job training. This programmatic change shifted BOH from being a basic needs drop-in shelter to becoming a Bridge Program that advocates for and navigates challenging bureaucratic systems that keep the unhoused and housing insecure from receiving needed services, as well as a plan of care where we walk alongside clients from instability to stability. While our long-standing day shelter has provided short-term necessities and case management services, what our clients have asked for most is access to healthcare and connection to housing. To expand upon our Bridge Program, we are changing our model to focus on medical respite in order to make the greatest long-term impact in the lives of our clients, reduce demand on local emergency departments, and reduce healthcare costs. Over the years Bridge of Hope has become a place where the unhoused feel safe, loved, seen, and unafraid to fail forward. We are 100% donor supported and invite you to consider partnering with us!