Dee Dee and Eric
Dee Dee and Eric spent years on streets struggling with addiction and their path to sobriety was rocky. At Bridge House Dee Dee and Eric were able to utilize services such as the client internship program,…
Continue readingWhat we do
Our clients come to us from desperate situations. But, no matter how challenging the circumstances, our job is to show that there is a way out, a bridge to a new future. While not every client may choose the path offered to them, we work hard to make sure that everyone gets the opportunity to improve their situation through the variety of services we offer.
Basic Needs: We provide breakfast and lunch five days a week at the Bridge House and dinners at local churches during the week. (Click here for a schedule of hours and locations). Clients also have the opportunity to take showers, get warm clothing, and take shelter within our doors in bad weather. In 2010 we served 54,600 meals.
Case Management: Every client has the opportunity meet with a case manager who can assess their needs and connect them with referrals, resources, and support for their particular situation. Our case worker sees over 20 people a day.
Medical Services: A professional from the People’s Clinic comes to the Bridge House two times per week to see our clients. We provide assistance with obtaining and purchasing prescriptions for our clients. We also have a holistic health clinic at the Bridge House one time per week where clients can get acupuncture. In 2010, we provided medical help to 377 individuals.
Mental Health Support: A staff member from the Boulder Mental Health Center is at Bridge House four times a week to meet with clients. In addition, we have a licensed social worker who meets with clients daily and hold weekly addiction recovery groups. In 2010 we provided 336 with mental health support.
Employment Services: Bridge House just launched its “Ready to Work” program in cooperation with the local government agencies. The program includes providing homeless adults with paid transitional work, where they can get skills, assistance with housing, and individualized support in hope of leading to permanent work.
Community: Our goal is to make our clients feel a sense of caring and belonging. We work hard to meet their needs. On Wednesday afternoons, the Bridge House is open to women only to allow them the space to address their specific needs. We also offer recreational and social activities such as “open mike”, a crafts group, an art class and a film festival showing documentaries about homelessness. An advisory group of currently homeless clients also meets once per month to provide feedback on our services.