What’s the Geography of Homelessness?

Does where you live matter if you are facing homelessness?

Selas lived in Philadelphia until she was 12 and entered the foster care system, when she and her sister were moved to a foster family in the suburbs. Today at 27 years of age, Selas has known homelessness as a child in an urban area and as a mother in the suburbs. “In Philly, my sister, mom and I lived in a shelter for at least a year, but we were within walking distance to my aunt’s house, so we felt connected. Now, I have no one nearby. I drive from the shelter to daycare to work – a distance of 42 miles one-way. My paycheck goes to keeping my car running and gas in the tank. How will I ever save up for a place to rent?”

A decade ago, the geography of poverty shifted. With the majority of people in the U.S. living in suburban areas, the suburbs became the place with the most people living in poverty.

Likewise, homelessness is not primarily an urban issue either. Homelessness affects people living in cities, suburbs and rural areas, though it differs significantly across these regions.

The majority of our 20 Bridge of Hope locations serve suburban and small city regions of the country.

So, does your geography matter if you are facing homelessness? Absolutely!

Access to resources, like social services agencies, can make a big difference for vulnerable families. In urban areas, services and shelters are typically within walking distance or along public transportation routes. In the suburbs and small cities, shelters and other services are typically available, but transportation can be a barrier and often a car is needed to navigate the distance between affordable housing (or a shelter), a job and daycare. Rural communities rely entirely on access to vehicles since shelters and other services are disbursed across large areas.

We recently welcomed Bridge of Hope @ Maywood Mission to our network of locations. They will serve a suburban community in Lancaster, Ohio, in the Columbus metro area and are known for their small-town feel and proximity to farming region. The need for Bridge of Hope is everywhere.

Is there a Bridge of Hope in your community? If not, might it be time to explore that possibility – opening the door to engaging churches in ending family homelessness through neighboring relationships that demonstrate Christ’s love?

Now just might be the moment. I’d love to hear from you!

We are thrilled to welcome Maywood Mission in Lancaster, OH to the Bridge of Hope Network! Amidst the housing crisis and rising homelessness, Maywood Mission’s passionate team is uniquely equipped to support single mothers and children in finding stable housing. With Bridge of Hope’s structure and Christ-centered Neighboring, this partnership promises a brighter future. We’re grateful for this new partnership!

Join us on May 9 for the Public Launch of MAKING ROOM! We are “making room for more” people to participate, so we will be offering virtual attendance to anyone who wants to watch the Gala program for free via livestream.

To learn more and register to receive a complimentary link to watch, visit: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/gala/.

Calling all golfers! Join us on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, for the 22nd Annual Bridge of Hope Golf Tournament at Foxchase Golf Club in Stevens, PA.

Learn more and register: https://bridgeofhopeinc.org/annual-golf-classic/.