Help for the homeless at The Bridge

Please allow me to introduce myself to the community. I am Silvia Gutierrez, the new executive director for Bridge to Home.

Recently there was a very thoughtful letter in The Signal regarding a local veteran who is homeless. I want to thank the writer for taking the time to share her concerns and ask for help for him.

I also want to take this opportunity to share information with the community regarding the services available through Bridge to Home’s client services center “The Bridge,” located on Newhall Avenue.

The Bridge assists homeless individuals by connecting them with case management on an on-going basis and helping them navigate through the systems of applying for housing and any other mainstream resources they may be eligible for.

Our case manager helps clients through the landscape of available options, depending on what individual circumstances are, such as being a senior or a veteran.

In The Bridge office we are beginning to develop many life skills groups to provide education, information and connections with people who many times are disenfranchised from their community.

Through our partnership with L.A. Family Housing, we have a staff member who helps homeless individuals get enrolled in the countywide Coordinated Entry System of resources for people experiencing homelessness.

The Bridge serves as an anchor to beginning the work of finding housing, accessing resources, and then following through to help individuals maintain housing.

We are currently following up with the individual mentioned in the letter and, once again, appreciate the opportunity to help.

A village is built upon consistent, supportive relationships; having services for the community here, through The Bridge, helps open the front door to the village.

Please feel free to visit our website at www.btohome.com to learn more about our services and how you can help.