Changing landscape for families facing homelessness

Our world is changing quickly and every day, businesses, schools, churches and nonprofits are trying to keep pace.

At Bridge of Hope, the challenges single mothers and children face have been changing rapidly too. March 31 ended our fiscal year and these trends reflect the shifting landscape:

• The days to find housing that is safe and affordable for families increased from 32 days (2020/21) to 66 days (2021/22), making availability of affordable housing the most challenging part of our work across every Bridge of Hope location.
• Affordability around housing remains challenging, with families paying higher percentages of their income for housing, while fair market value rental prices are escalating across the county and out of reach for many families who are trying to leave homelessness behind.
• It took 60 days longer this past year for families to reach financial stability, which means families were served by Bridge of Hope for an average of 18 months, instead of 16 months.
• Across our network of 23 locations in 13 states, we served 21% more families, from 314 moms and children in FY 2020-21 to 380 moms and children this past year.
• In some regions of the country, including southeastern and central PA, we’ve seen a 200% increase in calls for help since April.
  One constant amidst all this change is that with Bridge of Hope, families are positively impacted– not just for today but for the long haul. Donna shared her story at our Gala recently and if you missed it, I encourage you to listen to it now by clicking here.

This year, the Bridge of Hope network of locations is striving to serve 32% more families. This goal will help us to better meet the increased need, and we can only do it with your support. You can help families overcome the escalating challenges today by helping us raise 32% more necessary funding.

So let’s do this. Let’s find more creative solutions to addressing this affordable housing crisis. Let’s help more families. Let’s show up for neighboring with more moms and children. Let’s help each other even when it’s dark and difficult. Let’s listen, walk with each other and share a meal. Let’s neighbor – and end homelessness for more moms and children in the year ahead, because God is calling us to respond.

Homelessness doesn’t take a pause for summer vacations. Let’s keep moving ahead to meet the growing needs in our communities.

Edith Yoder, CEO

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