Bridge to Home

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Bridge to Home Program (B2H) is an expansion of the NaCo award-winning program, Hotels to Housing. The Hotels to Housing program created an opportunity during COVID-19 to test the efficacy of providing comprehensive, co-located services in a non-congregate emergency shelter setting for people experiencing homelessness. The hotel residents included individuals experiencing homelessness deemed high risk for hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotels to Housing successfully housed 300 people in less than 6 months, increasing health and housing outcomes in the process. The Bridge to Home Program takes the Hotels to Housing service delivery model to 11 different agencies serving households experiencing homelessness. Funded through a $10.5 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, the B2H service delivery model includes seven key service pillars: Comprehensive case management, flexible financial assistance, housing navigation, healthcare assistance, access to benefits, transportation, and permanent home furnishings. This comprehensive service model ensures each agency is equipped to meet the dynamic needs of people experiencing homelessness with the right staff capacity and financial flexibility.