What we do to prevent homelessness in Birmingham

Bridge Ministries, a non-profit organization, works to prevent homelessness in Birmingham by providing direct emergency assistance to at risk individuals and families.  Since 1978, we have assisted over 25,000 very low income individuals providing direct emergency assistance with rent, utilities, temporary lodging, food, and case management services. 

Bridge Ministries works directly with health care providers to locate and assist low income families who are struggling to maintain housing and utilities because of health problems. With assistance from hospital social service departments, many clients have been interviewed at the hospital, minimizing the need to visit multiple agencies for assistance.

Homeless families with children should never stay on the streets, even for one night. If a family with small children comes to a local family shelter but cannot enter the shelter immediately, Bridge Ministries will arrange for short-term emergency lodging and food at a local motel with cooking facilities. Shelter directors or case managers make these referrals after the family completes the intake interview at the shelter. As soon as space is available, the family enters the shelter. When the family situation stabilizes and they are ready to move out of the shelter, we may help with security deposits or first month’s rent to help them obtain housing.

Bridge Ministries is proud to work with the VA Medical Center to assist our homeless veterans. We provide security and utility deposits for men and women who are ready to move to a home of their own. We also help with food and ask our member congregations to gather household goods to furnish their homes. We have helped over 100 veterans obtain housing in the last few years.