On May 20th, Bridge to Home celebrated the grand opening of its new interim housing facility, which is designed to accommodate men, women, and families facing homelessness.
“This facility is a huge milestone,” said Tracey Carpentier, board President of Bridge to Home.
The shelter can accommodate over 100 people: approximately 40 men, 20 women, and eight families.
The building has two large dorm areas, one for men and the other for women, which include lockers and a lounge area. The facility also includes eight apartment-style rooms for families and a large communal kitchen and dining area.
Incoming residents will also receive a gift basket filled with personal care items.
However, residents of the interim housing will not be the only ones who will have access to the facility’s amenities. Community members in need will also have access to necessities such as showers, meals, and laundry machines.
“We will be able to house over 100 people here at a time, but we will serve over a thousand people a year,” said Cherise Moore, Bridge to Home’s incoming board President.
With the building finally constructed, Bridge to Home will now focus on operating the shelter. This entails moving clients into the facility and developing programs that will guide them toward permanent housing.
The first step in developing these programs is acquiring funds. Fortunately, Assemblywoman Pillar Schiavo stepped up to the plate during the ribbon cutting by presenting Bridge to Home with a 1.25 million dollar check.
“The work that’s been happening here in this community, to get to this place where Bridge to Home has a permanent home, is so important and so inspiring. And I’m so happy that we can be a part of it,” said Assemblywoman Schiavo.
Bridge to Home plans to have many of its current clients moved into the facility during the month of June.
