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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.
738
We`d like to thank our Host Sponsors for the Annual Golf Classic coming up on July 28!Friend of Bridge of HopeGlenn H. WeaverUtility Keystone Trailer Sales, SUPPLY, Men of Iron, PennStro Leasing, LLCLes and Cheryl WagnerChick-fil-A Lionville View all of our generous sponsors here: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/events/annual-golf-classic/
Jul 27
🎉 Happy Birthday to Caleb Simmers, our Lancaster Executive Director! 🎉Today we`re celebrating Caleb and the passion, wisdom, and servant leadership he brings to Bridge of Hope every day. Caleb, thank you for the heart you bring to this work and for inspiring those around you. We hope your birthday is filled with joy, encouragement, and time with the people you love. Join us in wishing Caleb a very happy birthday!
We hear statistics every day about homelessness. We recently heard that over 770,000 people are homeless on any given day in the U.S. and almost 20% of those are children. But when is a child or a family considered to be homeless? Who counts as homeless?In communities across the U.S., families are in desperate need of help and support, often without realizing that they fit into the category of “homeless” by definition. In fact, most Americans aren’t aware there are two parallel definitions of homelessness in our country today: the Department of Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D.) definition, which determines federal funding to local communities, and the McKinney-Vento definition, which school districts use in counting students who are homeless.Is Abigail homeless, staying temporarily with her two children at a friend’s house, knowing her presence could jeopardize her friend’s lease?Is Nia homeless, living with her children in a drug-infested extended-stay hotel?Are Amara, Stephen, and their 2-year-old son homeless, living out of their van?Read more in our latest blog post on our website.
Jul 23
We`d like to thank our Ace Sponsors for the Annual Golf Classic coming up on July 28!Friend of Bridge of Hope (2)Trevor and Anna-Lynn MilkinsMichael and Jennifer SchwalmSusquehanna Valley Woodcrafters, Inc.Koser Jewelers View all of our generous sponsors here: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/events/annual-golf-classic/
Jul 20
We`d like to thank our Eagle Sponsors for the Annual Golf Classic coming up on July 28!Advanced Interiors, Inc.Bare Wealth AdvisorsConestoga TileConestoga Wood Specialties DavCo Advertising LappTopsPaulB HardwareRKL LLPView all of our generous sponsors here: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/events/annual-golf-classic/
Jul 13
Neighboring Volunteer Spotlight: Ray HurstWe`re grateful for Neighboring Volunteers like Ray!
Jul 10
We`d like to thank our Birdie Sponsors for the Annual Golf Classic coming up on July 28!Friend of Bridge of HopeShaw IndustriesFinishWorksHall Media SolutionsHorwith Trucks, IncLinkBankMother Hubbard`s North Group ConsultantsRohrer`s Incorporated View all of our generous sponsors here: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/events/annual-golf-classic/
Jul 6
Happy Birthday to Wendy Hoke Witmer, our Senior Impact Officer & Chester County Team Leader! 🥳Wendy’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to families facing homelessness make a lasting impact every day. She leads with both wisdom and heart, inspiring our team and the communities we serve to put hope into action.Please join us in wishing Wendy a very happy birthday and a year filled with joy, blessings, and all the hope she shares with others!
Neighboring Volunteers walk alongside families, offer practical support, form meaningful relationships, and create communities where hope can take root. This is HOPE in action!
Jul 1
We`d like to thank our Par, Driver, and Putter Sponsors for the Annual Golf Classic coming up on July 28!EHD InsuranceGraybill Service GroupRichard L. Sensenig CoRichelieu HardwareRT Machine CompanyCCAB Insurance & Benefits, Inc.Fulton AdvisorsHafele America Co.Lapp ElectricJonathan and Christy MatiasPenn Medicine HealthworksEdith Yoder and Garth ScottCounterTek Inc.Jeff and Dana FelderGoodhart Sons, Inc.Hatt’s Industrial SuppliesHiltz Propane SystemsHomer Inspection ServicesKeller Bros.Quality Digital Office SolutionsView all of our generous sponsors here: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/events/annual-golf-classic/
Jun 29
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
