Give Hope on Giving Tuesday

Meet the Lewis Family

The weight of serious trouble wasn't a new experience for Ms. Lewis, a newly retired nurse, and her husband, who worked in a nearby tire store. In 2017, they were forced to move from their Howard County rental home to an extended-stay motel. They were able to save just a few pieces of furniture while scrambling to avoid homelessness.

"It was a very difficult time," Ms. Lewis said. Over the nearly six months they were in the motel, she was sick for a time, and the family got by on credit cards, loans from family, and donations from various agencies.

Of her seven children, two with chronic disabilities and sometimes one more were staying with Ms. Lewis. Things looked bleak for months until she finally found the help she needed from Bridges to Housing Stability.

Now, six years later, the family is stable, living in the same three-bedroom apartment that Bridges found for them in May, 2018.

"Bridges is a great program," Ms. Lewis said. "Housing is the number one issue for a great many people who can't afford it. That is a segue to being successful."

How Your Donation Helps:

Your Giving Tuesday donation directly supports families like the Lewis' by helping us provide:

• Supportive services for clients, including workshops on health and finances, resources, and individualized case management.
• Household items such as kitchen dishes and utensils, food, and cleaning products.
• Most importantly, the feeling that families in need are not alone - dedicated professionals are only a phone call away.

Join Us This Giving Tuesday

Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Your contribution, no matter the size, is a step toward a future where homelessness no longer exists in Howard County.

• $25 Can fill a Welcome Home Basket with household products to help our clients settle into a new home
• $50 Can cover the application fees for a couple
  
• $100 Can help prevent the eviction of a Howard County resident.
  
• $250 Can help a client move into a new home by covering part or all of a security deposit.
  
• $500 Can help stabilize a client's rent, greatly supporting their journey to self-sufficiency in a time when rents are skyrocketing.

Ways to Give:

• Online Donation: Make a secure online donation or mail a check to the Bridges office at 9520 Berger Rd., Suite 311, Columbia, MD 21046.
• Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Create your fundraising page and rally your friends and family to support an end to homelessness in Howard County.
• Be a Changemaker: Spread the word! Share our Giving Tuesday campaign on social media and encourage others to join you in making a difference in your community.
  

Thank You for Your Generosity:

We extend our deepest gratitude for your support in our journey to end homelessness. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate future for all.