Bridge of Hope

Lancaster & Chester Counties

Ending and preventing homelessness – one church and one family at a time with the help of trained mentoring groups within congregations.

Involving Your Church

Become a Mentoring Church

Every church is encouraged to consider mentoring a homeless woman and her children with the support of Bridge of Hope. Mentoring groups within congregations consist of 8 to 12 people.

The group makes a commitment to mentor one family over the course of 12 to 18 months. Mentors are trained and equipped by Bridge of Hope staff for this exciting, hands-on "ministry of friendship."

Women from Calvary Lutheran Church, West Chester, prepare to serve a meal at a training night for Bridge of Hope mothers, mentors and their children.

ONE-TIME PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHURCHES

Collect Items for homeless mothers and children: paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, cleaning supplies, canned foods, shampoo, toothpaste, disposable diapers (toddler sizes), school supplies, new or almost new books for children. (Call the office for a current list of needs.) Women would also be blessed with to receive gift cards for gas stations and grocery stores.

Rally your church to participate in a Bridge of Hope fundraiser event: We hold two Garden Luncheons in the spring and a family event the first Saturday of November. Bring your church friends to these events, have fun and support this ministry.

Conduct your own fundraising event to benefit Bridge of Hope: a spaghetti dinner, a craft show, or whatever interests your group.

Cook a meal: Volunteers are needed to cook a meal or provide child-care for Bridge of Hope families and mentors during monthly training sessions on Monday nights. Each meal will serve approximately 40-60 people, including children. Call Bridge of Hope’s office to sign up.

MINISTRY SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHURCHES

Encouraging Churches: Encourage Bridge of Hope by contributing an annual financial gift. We suggest a $400 or more contribution for first time supporting congregations. We also ask that your church provide prayer support for Bridge of Hope's ministry.

Supporting Churches: Support Bridge of Hope with an annual congregational gift of $1,000 or more, which is the average cost of security deposit and first month's rent for a homeless family moving out of a shelter and into their own apartment. We also ask that your church provide prayer support for Bridge of Hope's ministry.

One Church-One Family Partnership Plan: One church contributes an annual gift to Bridge of Hope for $3,500, which is the average cost of rental assistance in moving ONE family out of a shelter, into their own apartment and working with them to become financially self-supporting through employment. We also ask that your church provide prayer support for Bridge of Hope's ministry.