More Than Housing: How Bridge Helps Families Build New Futures
Through Bridge, families gain more than housing. They gain support, confidence, and the opportunity to build a strong foundation for lasting independence and a brighter future.
“To do this work, you need to come in with a desire to see people be successful, to grow, and transition into their own housing,” Shelly Philogene, Bridge Caseworker, shared.
For families experiencing homelessness, finding housing is only one step in a much larger journey. In our Bridge Transitional Housing Program, families receive the support and guidance they need to achieve independence.
“Bridge is a 12-month program where we help homeless families overcome the different obstacles and barriers that have roadblocked them in the past,” Shelly explains.
“While in Bridge, the families work with me and we set long-term goals and then break the goals into smaller steps,” she said.
One of the most important areas of focus is financial stability.
“We work on budgeting, learning how to both save and spend wisely. Plus, the families participate in different classes and groups.”
But Shelly believes success involves much more than finances.
“Having a different mindset can affect everything in a good way and change how you approach things,” she shares.
For Shelly, some of the greatest victories happen after families leave the program.
“One of the biggest successes I see is when I check in with a family, and they are implementing what they learned in the Bridge Program. The fact that the parents are remaining positive, working, and maintaining their housing is a success.”
She also celebrates the progress made by the children.
“I enjoy seeing the children’s growth. Receiving a phone call that the children are doing well, their grades are up, and they are cleaning their rooms. All of these small successes add up.”
One family that stands out to Shelly is Rhiannon, a mother who transitioned from Bridge into her own apartment.
“She was extremely grateful when she came into Bridge,” Shelly recalled. “You could tell she wanted to put forth the work. Rhiannon came in with an attitude filled with gratitude and was ready to grow.”
“That gratitude means you are going to appreciate everything coming your way, even the small things. It makes a difference when you are in this program and helps you to be more successful.”
A key part of Shelly’s approach is creating a safe and supportive environment where families feel comfortable sharing their struggles and experiences.
“One thing I want to highlight is giving families the space to be honest with me,” she explains. “I have an open line of communication with my clients.”
“When clients walk into my office from day one, we will be a few minutes into an assessment, and the next thing I know, it’s an hour later, and they are just talking and talking.”
Shelly believes her ability to connect with families comes from understanding the challenges they face.
“I let them know I have been where they are, and they can be successful. You will make mistakes. I have, and you can grow from them.”
She encourages families to express their emotions rather than keeping them bottled up.
“I have learned in this program that people are carrying a lot. Life can be hard. Many are dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression. Being able to open up, be transparent, and be honest is important.”
Through her work with families, Shelly has experienced significant growth as well.
“I would definitely say being a caseworker in the Bridge Housing Program has helped me mature a lot and grow in many different areas.”
She has learned that every family requires a unique approach.
“What may work for one client will not work for everyone else. You need to embrace the ability to learn a new technique or a new skill to help someone. Everyone learns at a different rate and capacity.”
For Shelly, serving families through the Bridge Program is close to her heart.
“I consider it a privilege to work with these families,” Shelly said. “It’s an honor that God would trust them with me. They’re carrying so much, and when they finally have someone to talk to, you can tell they’ve been holding it all in.”
Over time, however, she witnesses powerful transformations.
“Through this process, you literally see a change in people. The way they handle situations and the things they do. It is remarkable to see.”
Even after families leave Bridge, they can continue receiving support through aftercare services.
“Aftercare means that when a family leaves the Bridge Program, they can still utilize an hour with me each week, and I can continue helping them achieve their goals,” Shelly explained.
Shelly’s commitment to helping others grow extends beyond her role at Bridge. She recently celebrated an accomplishment of her own by becoming a certified life coach.
“My heart has always been in life coaching, and I am passionate about it,” she shared.
Life coaching aligns naturally with her dedication to helping people recognize their potential and break larger goals into smaller, achievable steps that lead to success.
Through Bridge, families gain more than housing. They gain support, confidence, and the opportunity to build a strong foundation for lasting independence and a brighter future.