Client Stories

Bridge to Home is a continuing story that builds on the foundation of giving help, hope, and change to individuals who deserve a safe place to sleep, hot meals, showers and toilet facilities, and accessible programs and services that will bridge them out of homelessness.

The names in the following success stories have been changed to protect their identity. Their stories are real.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please call Bridge to Home at 661-254-4663.

LORI’S STORY

Lori was a 65-year-old female who had been homeless off and on for a total of 8 years. She first came to Bridge to Home back in May of 2019 after becoming homeless due to her being asked to leave because she was not on her boyfriend’s lease. Once enrolled with Bridge to Home, Lori was quickly connected with outside resources such as DMH, and other agencies to address her health concerns. Lori was housed in a shared housing unit through Bridge to Home’s Rapid Rehousing Program in January of 2021. Lori utilized Bridge to Home’s Housing Stabilization Program and received furniture assistance as well as monthly case management meetings to make sure to address any problems or assistance that Lori might need. Sadly, Lori was only able to enjoy her new housing opportunity for just under two years due to a house fire that completely destroyed the entire house just 3 days before Christmas in 2022. Lori wasted no time and called Bridge to Home who welcomed her back with open arms. Although Lori was going through major grief and sadness from losing everything she worked so hard for, she was motivated to start over. Lori worked with shelter case managers and once she was document-ready, she was enrolled in Housing Navigation in late March of 2023. Lori’s housing voucher was close to expiring, therefore she and her Housing Navigator had to move quickly and exactly one week later, Lori was approved for a 1-bedroom unit that she was able to call all her own. She has been successfully transferred to Bridge to Home’s Time Limited Subsidy program where she will receive all the aftercare assistance she might need such as utility assistance and ongoing case management, up to 24 months.  

Ms. Doe’s story

Ms. Doe, along with her Maltese puppy, came to the shelter in desperate need of a bed. At the age of 82, she was still working to make ends meet when she was evicted from her mobile home after losing her job. Ms. Doe was very discouraged and afraid of her new circumstances since she had never experienced homelessness before. Nonetheless, almost daily Ms. Doe would visit Bridge to Home’s Access Center to use the computers made available to community members to search for resources.  She followed suggestions and referrals given to her by the intake specialist and she followed through frequently. There were a lot of ups and downs during the process. There were times she felt optimistic and other times she felt discouraged. There were countless times when she had to be on the phone for long periods of time or on the computer to get to the next step. Whatever it took, she patiently took care of it. Ultimately, her persistence and determination to get out of the shelter paid off. Through Ms. Doe’s consistent hard work, she soon found a place to call home. We are so happy for Ms. Doe!

Wendy’s story

Wendy became homeless after she suffered from a stroke soon after her husband’s passing and could no longer pay the rent on her sole income. Wendy spent some time on the streets before being admitted into Bridge to Home’s emergency shelter. At that time, Bridge to Home was only open during the winter months but is now a year-round shelter program operating 24 hours a day. Extending the shelter beyond the winter months helped Wendy and her case manager work together despite the fact that Wendy did not have a phone or transportation. Bridge to Home’s case manager worked hard to encourage Wendy to locate permanent housing and provided support, housing leads, and referrals. Wendy was moved to Bridge to Home’s Project Room Key (a temporary COVID-19 response motel shelter program) and was then enrolled in the housing navigation program. Wendy took an active role in searching for housing with her case manager. Together, they found a room for rent that Wendy could afford, successfully ending her homelessness. 

Dennis’s Story

Dennis came to Bridge to Home having suffered trauma and ongoing substance abuse all while being in and out of jail. When Dennis left our shelter after receiving support from a close friend who offered to help him overcome his substance abuse and get him back to work and continued to work on getting his life back. He is now working as a Dialysis Technician and is living a healthier life. In his own words, “I’m always thankful and grateful. So many thanks, you all just don’t know. You guys gave me everything I needed when I was in need of care and support and my success is your guys’ success. Thank you.” Dennis continues to keep in touch and would like to visit one day to give back to Bridge to Home to show his appreciation. 

Reynauld’s Story

Mike’s Story

Vince’s Story

Vince and his wife and son were in desperate need of housing, then during the pandemic, their work hours were cut. They faced several barriers: they were a family of three with an adult son with significant medical needs, income was not enough to sustain housing.  As part of Bridge to Home’s programs and services, together with their housing navigator they found housing close to their son’s resources. Thankfully, Vince and his wife have since been able to get more hours at work, increasing their income. Vince and his family signed their lease and cried as their housing navigator congratulated them on their new housing opportunity.  

Emily’s Story

Emily is a shelter client who consistently participates the activities we offer, including drum circles, self-healing workshops, and art programs. She encourages other clients to express themselves through their creative process, too! One of Emily’s goals is to work for the school district as a teacher assistant. With support from the Activities Coordinator, Emily is enrolled in the Golden Oak Adult School’s Teacher Assistant certification program and has completed the program. She also completed course work at College of the Canyons! Emily is seeking a job with our local school district so that she can begin her new career path and build her bridge to housing and overall stability.

John’s Story

John spent over two decades in prison, and only had been out for a short time when he was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. John receives dialysis and needs daily help and living assistance. After being homeless for over a year, John was enrolled in the Recover Rehousing Program then was successfully housed shortly thereafter. John loves to create and has a passion for life with a deep desire to help others. With Bridge to Home’s help, he is now living in a home where he can create amazing things and has goals of hosting a support group. 

Linda’s Story

Linda was homeless for 3 years and found it difficult to locate permanent housing after expressing that living on her own frightened her. Still, Linda was motivated to change her life and decided to obtain a certificate to become a pastor. Her main goal was to share her story and past struggles so that she could help other individuals experiencing homelessness.​ Linda became comfortable with Bridge to Home’s housing navigation team and she found employment as a caretaker, all of which made Linda more confident about herself.  By working together, a room for rent was identified by her Housing Navigator and that is when she made the move from homelessness into permanent housing. Linda is currently working as a caretaker and is also continuing classes to become a pastor.