Bridge and Transitional Housing Programs...

Housing Group knows that shelter programs are only a temporary solution to homelessness.

A stay at one of Housing Group's shelters is the first step in the journey to self-reliance but clients need more than four or six months to transform their lives. Early on Housing Group realized clients needed more time and support to finish the process they begin in the shelters.

In 1986, the county's first transitional housing program was designed and implemented: the program was coined "Bridge" to acknowledge the symbolic link that clients travel from homelessness to independence and self-sufficiency. With case management assistance and housing subsidized for up to fifteen months, Bridge program clients are granted the time necessary to successfully participate in a training program and secure employment.

The Bridge Program is a partnership with the Bucks County Children and Youth Agency and provides services for up to 12 families at any given time. Client families reside in subsidized rental units located throughout the county.

Advanced education and employment training can influence a person's income and marketability. Housing Group recommended that a second housing program be developed.

In 1994, the HOME/Transitional Housing Program was established to provide subsidized housing for up to two years. During this extended time, clients participate in education and training and secure positions in such diverse areas as nursing, culinary arts, early childhood education, law, and computer technology.

The Transitional Housing Program is a partnership with the Bucks County Children and Youth Agency and the Bucks County Office of Community and Business Development. It provides services for up to 35 families at any given time.

Families must meet the federal definition of homelessness in order to be eligible for these two programs. Clients most likely to be accepted are those who have demonstrated determination and motivation in overcoming such hardships as lack of training and resources, domestic violence, drug or alcohol issues, or budgeting difficulties.

It is the mission of both programs to allow families extended time, case management and financial support in order to be independent and contribute to their community. It is the expectation that these programs will empower families to pursue satisfying careers, lead financially independent lives, and many will attain homeownership.

The Bridge or Transitional services are free of charge, although each family must make a contribution toward the rent. These services are available to families residing in emergency shelter programs in Bucks County, including the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter in lower Bucks County or in central Bucks.

In 2005 Housing Group and A Woman's Place (AWP) received a multi-year Department of Justice grant of $247,785 to design and implement a transitional program specifically for Domestic Violence (DV) survivors. These clients will continue to receive DV counseling with AWP while Housing Group will provide case management to address the goal of permanent housing. Clients do not have to have children to qualify to participate in this program, which makes it very different from all other programs currently in Bucks County.