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Join us in creating communities where no family is homeless by walking alongside mothers and children in need.
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What if family homelessness is happening all around us—but unseen? In this Becoming Bridge Builders episode, Bridge of Hope CEO Edith Yoder shares why it’s often hidden and how community changes everything.
“One mom had no one to list as an emergency contact… until she found Bridge of Hope.”
Listen for a new perspective and renewed hope.
Listen to the Podcast
Bridge of Hope equips and engages Christian faith communities in learning how to help the homeless by fostering supportive, neighboring relationships.
2024-2025 Impact
404
parents and children served
593
neighboring volunteers helping families
2.5
average number of children per family
Faith communities provide tangible support, encouragement, and friendship to families in need.
Partnering to create more housing opportunities for families facing homelessness.
Providing long-term guidance, job training, and resources to help families thrive.
"The family I am currently walking with through Bridge of Hope blesses me far more than I could ever bless them. They are inspiring and bring me so much joy. I am truly grateful to be a part of their lives. My Bridge of Hope experience has been life giving, and I am deeply honored to be involved."
Orpha Longenecker, Neighboring Volunteer
“What surprised me most about my relationship with my Neighboring Volunteers was how genuine and consistent they were. I never expected people who began as strangers to care so deeply or show up in such meaningful ways. They didn’t just help—they truly listened, encouraged me, and made me feel seen and supported. That kind of connection was something I didn’t know I needed until I experienced it.”
Neighboring Family Facing Homelessness
"It was wonderful to see the support that Bridge of Hope is able to offer to their clients. As a landlord, I was impressed with the way that they go far beyond financial assistance, and offer training and encouragement to empower the clients in many areas of life."
Bridge of Hope Landlord Partner
“There were so many times when we were down and didn’t think we had hope. But Bridge of Hope gave us hope because people showed up—our volunteers were always there, and that meant everything to my family."
Jasir, Son of a Bridge of Hope Alumna
Is your church or faith community passionate about ending family homelessness? You can start a Bridge of Hope location and make a lasting impact in your region.
Open an Affiliate Add a Program Site
See how Bridge of Hope is changing lives through neighboring relationships.
Whether you’re an individual, a church, or a small group, you can make a lasting difference in a family’s life.
Walk alongside a family in need.
Engage your faith community.
Strengthen our community.
Get updates on initiatives, fundraising events, and stories of hope.
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Neighboring Volunteer Spotlight: Fan SmuckerWe are so grateful for Neighboring Volunteers like Fan, who are walking alongside families, offering practical support, forming meaningful relationships, and creating communities where hope can take root.
Jun 24
This past year, you – our Bridge of Hope community – have helped us support more families than ever on their journey out of homelessness, across our network of 20 locations in 11 states. The Bridge of Hope distinctive is that we are engaging and training Neighboring Volunteers from local Christian faith communities to provide tender acceptance and tangible support for families on this journey.Together, Bridge of Hope staff and Neighboring Volunteers are showing up for families and asking, “How can we support you in finding housing, hope and wholeness?” As summer begins, let’s continue to see our neighbors who are struggling to get out of homelessness and find ways to be fully present with them.
Jun 16
For Angie, being in a shelter was the lowest moment of her life. Then, Angie experienced faith again in her adult life through people showing up for her and her children. Her Neighboring Volunteers made her feel seen and “worthy.” Moving into a stable home allowed her children to “finally exhale.” When we are stressed, we hold our breath. Sometimes children who are experiencing trauma and significant anxiety breathe silently, trying not to take up space or be visible. This image of Angie’s three children finally being able to exhale, as they move into their own place, fills us with such hope and gratitude. For families like Angie`s, Hope Can`t Wait!
Jun 11
Are you looking for strong partnerships that go beyond short-term solutions to address family homelessness?Bridge of Hope’s model brings together key elements that organizations value:✔ Housing First principles.✔ Professional case management.✔ Intentional support from trained church volunteers.Together, these components help families move not just into housing, but toward lasting stability and meaningful community connection.As you look ahead and consider new strategies, we’d welcome the opportunity to explore how the Bridge of Hope model could complement and strengthen your work:Learn more by visiting our website or reach out to Anne Dunnenberger, Director of Outreach: anned@bridgeofhopeinc.org.
Jun 8
Our National Staff summer kick-off picnic! 🌞 We had the unique opportunity to play a life-size version of the card game Dutch Blitz. We also had a delicious meal and ice cream sundae bar! 🍦
Jun 4
Kait`s family found more than just a place to live when they joined Bridge of Hope. They found a community of people who supported them. Kait shared: "Bridge of Hope connected us to Neighboring Volunteers … and instead of feeling judged or alone, we were welcomed with open arms.They didn’t just offer words.They showed up.They helped us move.They helped us unpack.They helped us settle into a new home.And I remember thinking… `How is this real?`"
May 26
“My group was very welcoming and kind,” Sara shared. “They checked in with me frequently to see if I needed anything. They made me feel safe and able to ask for help.”The women in the group went with Sara and the kids to their local botanical garden. The group also helped in very practical ways, like mowing Sara’s yard, shoveling snow and building furniture. Two of the volunteers, a married couple, Jean and Jim, would periodically take the kids out for dinner and ice cream, giving Sara a chance to have some much-needed time to rest and recharge.Jean initially got involved with Bridge of Hope after she was shocked by the data around homelessness in her county and wanted to do something to help. Sara’s family is the second family Jean has neighbored, and she loves spending time with Sara and her kids. Jean plans to stay in touch with Sara even though her time with Bridge of Hope has officially come to an end, as she and Jim consider her a friend.Read more of Sara`s story here: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/stories/holding-on-to-hope-saras-story/
May 20
We are so pleased to share that you as a giving community met the $100,000 challenge match by May 18! Thank you so much!We are so grateful to the 450+ people who joined us for the Hope Can’t Wait Gala Luncheon on May 8, in Lancaster, PA and in Westampton, NJ. Check out the stories shared by Bridge of Hope alumna and Neighboring Volunteers at the Gala on YouTube.
May 19
Happy Birthday to Linda Homer-Hurley, our Lancaster/Chester County Development Director! 🎉Linda’s passion for Bridge of Hope and her heart for families experiencing homelessness make a lasting impact every day. We are so grateful for her dedication, encouragement, and the relationships she builds throughout our communities.Please join us in wishing Linda a wonderful birthday and a year filled with joy and blessings!
May 17
Hope Can’t Wait This Mother`s Day — Give to Help Hope Arrive on TimeFor families facing homelessness, hope looks like this: a safe home, neighbors who care and help that comes in time. Your gift helps hope arrive on time, providing housing, stability and a future that can’t wait. Double your impact! All gifts received now through May 18 are matched, up to $100,000. tinyurl.com/holding-hope1
May 10
We want to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who made the Hope Can`t Wait Spring Gala today a successful event! Special thanks to our sponsors, Gala Committee volunteers, speakers and staff!
May 8
Happy Birthday to Michelle Wright, our amazing Development Operations Manager! 🎉Michelle, we’re so grateful for the organization and heart you bring to our team. Your passion for Bridge of Hope’s mission, paired with your ability to build systems that make it happen, is a true gift.Especially today, as you play a key role in bringing our Gala to life, we celebrate all that you do! Praying your year ahead is filled with God’s presence and abundant blessings. 💙
We`d like to thank our Ambassador Sponsors for the Bridge of Hope Spring Gala Luncheon!Ruth DelpFriend of Bridge of HopeHall Media SolutionsMike Heim and Diane Russell-HeimJames Lapp and Miriam BookSmoker Door SalesView all of our generous sponsors here: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/events/spring-gala/
May 4
We`d like to thank our Champion Sponsors for the Bridge of Hope Spring Gala Luncheon!Kenneth and Jane BargeBenjamin Roberts LTDChick-Fil-A LionvilleGoodville Mutual Insurance GroupMartin Tree Service LLCJoanie YoderMark Zimmerman- In Memory Of Karene ZimmermanView all of our generous sponsors here: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/events/spring-gala/
May 3
We`d like to thank our Pace-Setter Sponsors for the Bridge of Hope Spring Gala Luncheon!Estate of William GotwalsHorwith Trucks, Inc.Emerson and Ruth LesherAlissa and Ronald MillerCarson and Mary Ann RitchieMichael and Jennifer SchwalmBeth and Jason TroutEdith Yoder and Garth ScottView all of our generous sponsors here: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/events/spring-gala/
May 2
The Gala Auction is now LIVE with wonderful gifts, vacations, experiences and more! Link below to view the items that have been generously donated! The auction will remain open through Friday, May 8 at Noon ET. So place your bids and check back often! Your support of this auction will help families facing homelessness build the long-term resources needed to remain housed, while also increasing their financial stability and wellness. Featured items and experiences include: Phillies tickets, weekend stay on Smith Mountain Lake, VA, Sight & Sound tickets, Chicco car seat, and more! View items and bid here: https://new.biddingowl.com/bridgeofhopenational
May 1
