The Bridge of Hope center has two areas, a residential and resource center space. The residential space is a short-term housing option for unhoused neighbors as they work to get back on their feet and find safe affordable housing. Our program works with individuals to identify their needs and walk alongside them with case management, helping them meet their goals. Our resource center is for community members who need access to the internet, laundry, shower facilities, a meal, and connection to local agencies and other resources. There is a large community classroom space for local meetings, trainings, and more.

The Bridge of Hope intake process involves individuals being referred from the tri-county Coordinated Entry 211 program. 211 connects individuals to all services available in the tri-county area. Bridge of Hope also assesses and screens all potential residents by doing additional background checks. Anyone with a sex offender history or a recent violent criminal record are not permitted for residence. Trained, experienced staff operate the Bridge of Hope center during the day and also oversee nighttime hours. Various other security measures are put in place to ensure both residents and staff are safe.

The Bridge of Hope intake process involves individuals being referred from the tri-county Coordinated Entry 211 program. 211 connects individuals to all services available in the tri-county area. Using Coordinated Entry will help determine where a person is currently residing. Warren and St. Charles counties have some solutions in place to help their homeless and are working to broaden those offerings. We will do our best to ensure our center is for Lincoln County residents.

We created a program using best practices from local and national organizations. Individuals will work alongside case managers to create goals and we will then have weekly checkpoints to ensure individuals are on track. If a resident is not meeting their goals, they will not be allowed to stay.

Compass Health provides to both adults and children primary health care, dentistry, mental health care, and case management. They accept all people regardless of insurance coverage, including those who have private insurance, medicare, medicaid, or no insurance at all. They ensure mental and physical health needs are met. Compass also partners with other agencies like Sts Joachim and Ann, local health departments, and churches. In regards to Bridge of Hope, Compass Health will be available to help connect individuals with appropriate services. Compass Health will not be embedded in Bridge of Hope, but will be a partner, as they are with many other organizations.

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service has a long history with service to our neighbors in need and we appreciate their knowledge and partnership in this effort. We have a Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service representative on our Board of Directors and they play a critical role in providing case-management to our residents. Case management involves walking alongside people who are struggling and helping them find and navigate the next step. That can include applying for resources, jobs, rental applications, and more.

A variety of funding streams are under consideration through a blend of private and public grants. There are several large partners who have come forward to help with funding including; Mercy Hospital, Catholic Charities, Toyota, the Incarnate Word Foundation and more. Our Executive Director is largely focused on fundraising initiatives and building partnerships with our local businesses and organizations. Some of our ongoing costs will be supplemented by partnerships with local agencies for costs such as food, staff, and medical care.

The Bridge of Hope intake process involves individuals being referred from the tri-county Coordinated Entry 211 program. 211 connects individuals to all services available in the tri-county area.

With pledged dollars from Lincoln County’s opioid settlement, the Lincoln County Commissioners built a center on county owned land near the Lincoln County Health Department. Lincoln County is leasing this center to Bridge of Hope. Reports show the adverse effects of homelessness and substance abuse cost America more than a half a trillion dollars each year in health care, criminal justice, legal and lost workplace production costs. Further, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), individuals experiencing homelessness have a high risk of overdose from illicit substances.

Currently, there is no funding provided by the City of Troy.

Anyone actively under the influence of any substance, will not be able to reside in the center. We will connect them to the appropriate facility that can assist in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. When the person has completed rehab treatment, we can house them in our facility.

Since the Covid pandemic, it has been extremely difficult to find affordable housing in Lincoln County. Landlords report they get 10-20 rental applications for each listing. We have hundreds of people who have NECAC housing vouchers but are unable to find a home. This leads to people either being on the street or taking up residence in local hotels. In addition, Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service report that is takes them on average 8 months to take someone from homelessness to housed due to the lack of affordable housing.

The center is located near the Lincoln County Health Department, where several services can be accessed. We will do our best to limit any transportation barrier.

According to Community Council Coordinated Entry data, 72% are single moms with children or in a family unit. 18% are single male or female. 15-20 Lincoln County households call Coordinated Entry 211 each month looking for help and resources. Troy has the 6th highest unhoused neighbor population count of the Tri-County area.

The fact is that many of our unhoused neighbors are currently working 1-3 jobs and are still unable to secure safe and affordable housing. For those that are not working, there are many barriers that keep them from obtaining or maintaining employment. Bridge of Hope will focus on breaking down barriers to bridge individuals out of extreme poverty.