Rising Homelessness in Our Community

A Letter from Jodi

It saddens me to share that many in our community are at risk of homelessness, and the rate at which people in our community are losing their homes is growing by the day.

The rising cost of living is outpacing wages, leaving many of our neighbors struggling to make rent. The sight of individuals and families sleeping in their cars or seeking refuge outside buildings and public spaces is becoming increasingly common. The hard truth is that homelessness is on the rise, and without intervention, more people will be left out in the cold as winter approaches.

At The Bridge Home, we are doing everything possible to prevent this, but we can’t do it alone. We need your help to make a difference!

Our resources are stretched thin as we work tirelessly to provide shelter, warmth, and hope to those in need. The national housing crisis, which can be felt in our own backyard, is driven by a severe lack of affordable options and is forcing more people into homelessness. Unfortunately, our emergency shelter is consistently at total capacity, and it hurts my heart that we are left with no option but to turn individuals and families away.

As we prepare for the colder months, your ongoing support is critical for us to continue providing life-saving services to those who need it most. Your donation will help us keep as many people as possible housed, providing them with the stability they need to rebuild their lives.

Thank you for standing with us as we weather the storm ahead and for your unwavering support of our tireless efforts to break the cycle of homelessness in our community.

With my sincere gratitude,
Jodi Stumbo
President & CEO

The Struggle for Affordable Housing

A Letter from Jodi

I am filled with gratitude for your unwavering support of our mission. We continue to face challenges in our region. The stark reality is that a severe lack
of affordable housing remains the primary driver behind homelessness in our community, far outweighing substance abuse and mental illness.

A growing population in our region exacerbates the housing crisis. With more people needing affordable housing, the limited supply puts a greater strain on our ability to provide shelter and support services.

Further, wages are not rising along with the cost of living, making it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to afford housing. As the gap between income and housing costs widens, more and more people are pushed into homelessness or are at risk of losing their homes.

Despite our best efforts, our emergency shelter is consistently at capacity, leaving us no choice but to turn people away. It is heartbreaking when those
struggling to stay afloat are left without a safe haven.

Band-aid fixes simply won’t suffice in breaking the cycle of homelessness in our region. At The Bridge Home, we firmly believe that finding secure,
affordable housing is the cornerstone of helping individuals and families survive and thrive—and we need your help.

Your generosity will enable us to provide a warm bed, a hot meal, and vital support services to those with nowhere else to turn.

Thank you for your continued compassion and generosity. Your donations help us equip individuals and families with the tools and support necessary to
attain and sustain self-sufficiency, empowering them to bridge the gap for themselves.

I know that by working together, we will see a future where everyone has a place to call home.

With my sincerest thanks,
Jodi Stumbo
President and CEO

Charting a New Course

Each person’s journey through The Bridge Home’s doors is unique, and AnnMarie’s story is woven with resilience, determination, and hope.

At 20 years old, AnnMarie found herself at a crossroads, pregnant, with nowhere to live. But after connecting with The Bridge Home, she found refuge and the guidance needed to get back on her feet and take the first steps towards her new chapter.

“I didn’t have anywhere to go, so I reached out to The Bridge Home, who was able to get me and my boyfriend into a hotel for a while in Boone.”

AnnMarie’s younger life was marked by instability. Born in Oskaloosa, she was separated from her mother when she was five and went to live with her father. During these formative years, AnnMarie found herself moving between treatment centers for behavioral problems. It wasn’t until she turned 14 that she regained agency over her life, choosing to live with her mother and finishing high school.

In an interview with AnnMarie, she reflected on hurdles she has overcome and where things took a turn.

“I was a good kid up until I was 18, and then I got into some bad friendships and the wrong crowd.”

After arriving at The Bridge Home, AnnMarie received guidance and support from her caseworker, who connected her with one of our community partners, Martha’s House of Hope, where she is currently navigating her path as a new mother.

Martha’s House of Hope provides transitional living for pregnant or parenting women and infants up to one year old. Their comprehensive support includes housing, transportation, medical care, case management, and material assistance. Their holistic approach aims to give mothers and their babies the best start possible.

“I want my daughter to have the opportunities I didn’t.”

Partnerships with organizations like Martha’s House of Hope are paramount to providing The Bridge Home clients with the resources they need to build a solid foundation for their new lives.
Looking toward the future, AnnMarie envisions a life of stability and opportunity for herself and her baby girl. Her aspirations of securing employment, buying her own home, and providing a nurturing environment for her daughter embody the resilience and hope that define The Bridge Home’s mission. We more proud of proud of AnnMarie.

“The Bridge Home getting me off the street and helping us means the world to me.”

AnnMarie’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community. Through the support of The Bridge Home and collaborative partnerships with community resources, AnnMarie is forging a path toward stability and empowerment for herself and her daughter.

If you or someone you know might benefit from our services, call us at 515-232-8075. Whether it’s help with emergency shelter or housing assistance, we can help or connect you to the support you or your loved one needs.