Dallas homeless shelter grants woman a fresh start in a personal apartment
In the heart of Dallas, Texas, lies a beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness – The Bridge. This unique shelter offers comprehensive homeless recovery services, providing a 24/7 continuum of care that addresses immediate survival needs and supports long-term housing stability [1][2][3].
Khristina Simpson, a home care provider for years, found relief from homelessness last August when she applied for housing with The Bridge. After facing a sudden increase in rent that left her homeless, Simpson is now grateful to have a place to call home in a one-bedroom apartment in Plano [4].
"I start my day in my new apartment with a church sermon and a cup of hot coffee with my service dogs, Chase and Chico," Simpson shares, expressing her joy and relief [6]. She continues to enjoy having her own place and gives God credit for making her day every morning.
The Bridge's key services include meeting basic needs such as hot showers, nutritious meals, and haircuts, as well as intensive services like physical and mental health evaluations, care management, and personalised support from housing care managers [1]. The shelter also helps clients secure long-term housing by paying most of the rent and providing furniture and household items. Clients continue to receive ongoing support, such as help accessing food pantries, job assistance, and personalised care management [2].
Janisha Young, a housing care manager at The Bridge, plays a crucial role in providing ongoing care. She helps residents maintain their housing and build independence without relying on unstable living situations [2]. Young also assists residents in finding jobs and obtaining food from nearby food pantries.
David Woody III, the CEO and president of The Bridge, emphasises that everyone is welcome at The Bridge [5]. The shelter partners with local clinics that offer behavioural, mental health, and substance use services, and collaborates with broader community initiatives like the Dallas Connector Project, which provides free transportation to homeless individuals, helping them access healthcare, housing, and employment services [3].
As of January 2023, there were just over 3,500 people experiencing homelessness in Dallas and Collin counties. The Bridge, which started 17 years ago to offer temporary shelter, meals, hygiene services, and housing opportunities, continues to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals like Khristina Simpson, offering them a second chance to survive and thrive.
Reported by Olla Mokhtar, KERA's news intern.
[1] https://www.thebridge.org/services/ [2] https://www.thebridge.org/housing/ [3] https://www.thebridge.org/community-partnerships/ [4] https://www.wfaa.com/news/local-news/dallas-fort-worth/dallas-bridge-helps-homeless-woman-find-stable-housing/ [5] https://www.wfaa.com/news/local-news/dallas-fort-worth/dallas-bridge-helps-homeless-woman-find-stable-housing/ [6] https://www.wfaa.com/news/local-news/dallas-fort-worth/dallas-bridge-helps-homeless-woman-find-stable-housing/
In the community of Plano, Khristina Simpson, who used to be a home care provider, gladly shares the details of her lifestyle in her new home, a one-bedroom apartment provided by The Bridge, a Dallas shelter that is making waves in the home-and-garden sector by offering long-term housing stability to individuals like Simpson. As The Bridge continues its efforts to help those experiencing homelessness, they also collaborate with local partners to provide services that encompass not just physical needs, but also mental health evaluations, job assistance, and access to food pantries.
