Christian faith communities have a unique opportunity and role in ending the homelessness crisis in America today. With 13 Bridge of Hope chapters nationwide, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham affiliate has served our community since 2010.
Bridge of Hope trains and equips local Christian faith communities (churches, Bible study groups, house churches, etc.) from a wide variety of Christian traditions to respond to homelessness in practical, tangible, and neighboring ways. |
The Bridge of Hope neighborhood of support is a three-way partnership that includes a
family facing homelessness,
a case manager (also called a Neighborhood Resource Specialist),
and Neighboring Volunteers.
The Neighborhood Resource Specialist is a professionally trained and experienced social worker who empowers a family facing homelessness by providing intensive case management, training, and support. This includes finding immediate rental housing, training in money management, and allocating rental assistance. They also encourage and equip both the family and the Neighboring Volunteers to build healthy, supportive relationships.
Neighboring Volunteers are a group of 6 to 10 people from within a Christian faith community (church, Bible study, small group, etc.) who answer the call of Jesus to “love your neighbor.” With training from Bridge of Hope, these volunteers simply do life with a family facing homelessness by offering tangible and emotional support and encouragement as they engage with the family in faith and life.
Neighboring Volunteers are a group of 6 to 10 people from within a Christian faith community (church, Bible study, small group, etc.) who answer the call of Jesus to “love your neighbor.” With training from Bridge of Hope, these volunteers simply do life with a family facing homelessness by offering tangible and emotional support and encouragement as they engage with the family in faith and life.