Bridges Outreach

We end homelessness by meeting people where they are. First providing supplies of food, clothing, toiletries, other necessities and work to build trust with people experiencing homelessness in essex and union counties in nj. The information gathered during these engagements enables connection to case management, services and programs. Our quantitative and qualitative data also enable us to drive changes to broken systems. In 2022 we engaged more than 5,000 people experiencing homelessness in nj. In 2022 we helped 75 people exit homelessness, and prevented homelessness for 9 households. With the help of 1,500+ volunteers each year, Bridges delivers 100,000 brown bag meals, 20,000 cold weather and toiletry kits, 40,000 cups of soup, hot chocolate and lemonade, 10,000 new socks and underwear, and tons of seasonally appropriate clothing. All of this work is done with a trauma-informed approach. Through both project connect drop-in centers, in newark, and summit, Bridges prevents imminent homelessness and connects people who are experiencing homelessness, or the imminent threat of homelessness to official identification documents, other specialized health and social service providers, employment and permanent housing.