The Bridge program has been created for homeless persons most resistant to traditional service delivery. The following criteria will be used initially in determining

admission to this program:

• Six months or longer in emergency shelter or homeless;
• Little or no engagement in existing support programs;
• Difficulty in making plans or setting goals;
• History of cycling through mental health, substance abuse, or corrections systems;
• History of chronic homelessness.

The special needs of Bridge clients will be addressed by providing housing which includes 24 hour staff support every day of the week with intensive service coordination. These supports will be offered in the context of a client- centered plan in which the goal is to improve the quality of life in directions selected by the client.

Once a client has been identified as possibly benefiting from the services provided by the Bridge, program staff will start the engagement process with the understanding that this process is the first goal. Once some level of engagement has taken place, a service plan will be explored with the client. The role of the program coordinator is to follow the client through this process, rather than simply refer them to services and then close the case.

Many of the chronically homeless who use emergency shelter regularly lose their housing due to substance abuse. The new housing will allow renters to use the shelter during periods of intoxication without losing their housing. The staff will work toward introducing the client into a social network that can, with time, provide a supportive recovery based community.

The monthly rental fee is $325. We believe that paying rent is an important part of preparing the client for reintegration into the community. In keeping with our mission to foster independence we will work with clients to help them access rental assistance programs.