- The mission of Bridge of Hope is to end and prevent homelessness for women and children with the help of trained mentoring groups within congregations. Single mothers achieve permanent housing and financial self-sufficiency through employment and attain stability and enhanced self-esteem through ongoing mentoring friendships. The goal of Bridge of Hope is to exemplify Christ's love and to promote physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wholeness.
- The composition of the affiliate's board of directors, mentoring groups, and staff will reflect the Christian ecumenical nature of Bridge of Hope's philosophy. Board members, staff, and mentoring groups will be comprised of individuals who are a part of a Christian congregation that confesses Jesus Christ as divine Lord and Savior.
- All who participate in Bridge of Hope are seen as loved and valued by God. Board members, staff, mentoring groups, and volunteers will treat all participants with dignity and respect.
- The Bridge of Hope affiliate will incorporate under state law and obtain
501(c)(3) status through the national office. The affiliate will operate in accordance with its articles of incorporation and bylaws, as well as all applicable regulatory and legal requirements.
- Bridge of Hope welcomes families regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. The acceptance of families by the affiliate will conform to written program acceptance guidelines developed and, as appropriate, modified from time to time by the national office. The affiliate will provide services to two or more families per year.
- Each family will be connected with a mentoring group, which will consist of approximately 8 to 12 Christian mentors from a single congregation. The mentoring group will provide long-term friendship and support to the family.
- In addition to the mentoring groups, the Bridge of Hope affiliate will provide a trained staff person or professionally qualified volunteer as a case manager for families served.Using the Mentor's Resource Guide, the affiliate will provide ongoing training and resources to all mentoring groups.
- The affiliate will maintain, and operate in accordance with, a policies and procedures manual which conforms to the guidelines of the national office.
- The affiliate will demonstrate sound financial stewardship and public accountability. The affiliate will obtain an audited financial statement for each fiscal year and will submit an annual report to the national office within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year.
- The affiliate will not use government funds for agency administration. Government funds may be utilized for program expenses (such as salaries of case managers, rental assistance, etc.) provided the resources do not compromise the Christian purpose of Bridge of Hope.
