Bridge Building Residence

Raising children in the face of homelessness is an enormous task. Mothers who become homeless frequently lack support from family and friends and are forced to place their boys and girls in foster care, compounding the already tragic effects of homelessness on the children. At the Bridge Building, we offer mothers secure, affordable housing that allows them to be reunited with their children.

The Bridge Building provides one- and two-bedroom apartments for homeless women and their children. Our counselors work with residents to help reverse the emotional damage of homelessness and domestic abuse, and create a safe, nurturing family atmosphere. New residents are often matched with a current resident who acts as a "big sister" and welcomes the family into the program as well as the surrounding neighborhood of East Harlem. In addition, we organize regular communal events such as a Tenants Committee, a book club, a Mothers Day celebration, and other holiday activities to help these families enjoy the comfort of home.

Residents also work toward financial independence with access to the full range of social services offered by the Coalition. Our staff works with each woman to further education, search for jobs, and prepare her resume so that she can ultimately provide for herself and her family.

For more information about the Bridge Building, please contact Yvonne Redic at yredic@cfthomeless.org or call 212-360-6273.

Laura and Michael

Laura and her seven-year-old son Michael lost their Far Rockaway apartment when their landlord racked up so many violations that residents were forced to leave. Their only alternative was to move into a Bronx shelter. Almost immediately, Michael started performing poorly in school and getting into trouble.

With their situation quickly deteriorating, Laura looked to the Coalition for a long-term housing solution. Our staff worked with her for months, and she was overjoyed when she received notice that an apartment became available at our Bridge Building Residence on the Upper East Side. "It was a relief because now I am able to cook, to wash, take a bath, take a shower," she says. "This apartment is mine. I have my own room. My son has his own room."

"Anytime we need help with anything, like when I needed help finding a job, the staff was there to help." Laura and her son are just one of the hundreds of families the Coalition has helped move out of the shelter system and into homes of their own.