A New Headquarters, Our Next Chapter:
How You Can Play a Pivotal Part in Our Future
Home. A simple word that is the bedrock for all our lives. Nevertheless, we
at Bridges to Independence know this concept isn’t a given for everyone.
Over the last 30 years, our Northern Virginia-based nonprofit has provided
housing and support services for homeless families.
It’s more than giving them a safe place to sleep each night. We’re there for
these men, women and children every day, empowering them with the tools
and resources needed to take that crucial next step.
Now, as Bridges to Independence prepares to undergo a transformation
within our own headquarters, we hope you’ll join us as we forge ahead into a
future bursting with potential.
WHO WE ARE
Founded as the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless in 1985, we received our initial funding from local
government and churches. Today, we are Northern Virginia’s leading provider of services for homeless women and
families. We offer aid for all family members, helping them attain stability and move forward into self-sufficiency. At
the same time, we do our utmost to prevent at-risk families from becoming homeless in the first place.
WHO WE HELP
Despite our area’s vast affluence — over half of Arlington households
have an income over $100,000 — there are over 14,000 homeless
individuals in the D.C. metro area. The men and women who come to
Bridges to Independence aren’t seeking hand-outs. They’re looking
for a lift up. These are hardworking individuals with jobs: 70% of
Arlington and the City of Alexandria’s homeless are employed. They
are the 20% of the Arlington workforce currently earning less than
$25,000 annually — resulting in their needing to work 112 hours a
week to afford rent. Forty percent are recently arrived immigrants.
Over half the mothers who come to us have chronic health problems
— serious conditions that further complicate their efforts to move their
families out of poverty. Two thirds of those who cross our threshold
are under 18.
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WHAT WE DO
Every year, we’re the backbone of support for 120 homeless and at-risk families as they strive toward selfsufficiency. As we assist individuals in conquering their present day hardships, Bridges to Independence also
shatters poverty’s intergenerational cycle by preparing today’s struggling kids to be tomorrow’s successful adults.
We tailor care for each person’s needs and offer assistance in a variety of ways like housing, financial literacy
education, tutoring and career counseling. Some activities are required, others are optional and some — like our
kids’ summer lemonade stand — are just plain fun.
Our efforts are making a measureable impact in the lives of the individuals we work with daily:
75% of those who came to Sullivan House — our emergency shelter for area families — unemployed went on to
obtain a full or part-time job by the time they left our program.
After staying an average of four months, 80% of families remained in permanent housing one year after discharge,
while 50% remained in permanent housing, with a lease in their own name, three years later.
The average household income for those who complete our program increases 37%.
82% of students who participated in our youth development initiatives increased their grade point average over the
course of a school year.
A FRUITFUL FUTURE
We’re thrilled to announce that the coming months hold big
changes for Bridges to Independence.
Following the retirement of Michael O’Rourke last December,
Samuel Kelly, Jr. took the helm as Executive Director in
January. After a comprehensive search with many strong
candidates, Sam rose to the top due to his passionate
enthusiasm and tireless dedication to our cause. Previously our
Deputy Director of Programs for nine years, he has the creative
drive combined with hands-on know-how that will propel
Bridges to Independence into a fruitful future.
It’s a future, in fact, that’s becoming increasingly tangible every day.
In September 2017, we’ll move into a completely renovated 4,600 square foot headquarters in Clarendon.
After our building was bought by CRC Companies for redevelopment, we reached an agreement with them to buy a
first floor location within the structure as an office space and multi-use programming hub. This hive of activity will
include a children’s room for youth initiatives, as well as a trio of classrooms where our beneficiaries can receive
assistance in areas ranging from job training to personal counseling. Additional spaces include two multipurpose
rooms and offices for our vital staff members.
JOIN US
You can play a crucial role in making this vibrant vision a reality.
In the next year, we’re seeking to raise $2 million in funding from generous donors like you. This will cover the cost
of our purchasing the site, outfitting the building and furnishing it to fulfill our programmatic and organizational
needs.
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Located in the heart of Clarendon, this pedestrian-friendly location will enable us to establish a well-known
presence within the community we serve, while also planting secure roots for many more years of successful
growth. It signifies how truly invested our nonprofit is in the area we serve: We’re here to stay.
We could not be more enthused as Bridges to Independence prepares for our next chapter. It’s an infectious feeling
of possibility. A hopeful outlook that many of our beneficiaries also experience when they move ahead with their
lives. People like …
Shafiq
Despite being fluent in English with a medical degree from an Afghan university,
Shafiq struggled to get work here after he and his family fled their Talibanravaged nation in 2013. He had to settle for working as a busboy and lifeguard
to make money while living in our emergency shelter. Although he is still
experiencing culture shock, Shafiq says Bridges to Independence is “helping us
get on solid footing.” His children are receiving tutoring and computer training in
our youth program, while his wife is learning English from our volunteers. Even
better: “We secured an apartment with a lease in our own name,” Shafiq says.
“Now we’re working on a realistic plan to relaunch my medical career.”
Kenisha
A mother of a young son, Kenisha had been homeless for nearly a decade
by the time she came to Sullivan House in July 2013. After working with a
Bridges to Independence case manager and career specialist, “That’s when
I turned a corner,” she says. While at Northern Virginia Community College,
she started the on-campus group Society for Diverse Student Concerns and
received several accolades for her commitment to the local community including her work with AmeriCorps for which she has completed over 3,700
hours of community service. Today she works at the Department of Housing
and Urban Development where she helps others find safe, affordable
housing. Kenisha is also an entrepreneur and motivational speaker. “I tell
my story at homeless shelters and youth-centered organizations because I
want to make a difference. If I can do it, they can do it,” she says.
Your support can help us build bridges for many more men and women like Shafiq and Kenisha as they do their
utmost to achieve fulfilling, independent lives.
All the pieces are in place. All we need is a home.
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