We form relationships with those experiencing homelessness while meeting their most urgent needs. Bridges began in 1988 when Ginger and Geoff Worden, from Summit, New Jersey, reached out to homeless people in New York one Friday evening. They brought homemade sandwiches, thermoses of coffee, and a genuine interest in conversation. Over the last 32 years, Bridges hasn’t missed a weekly Run (outrea
ch visit) into New York City until the pandemic. In addition to the Friday night Runs to lower Manhattan, we visit various locations every Saturday in Newark and on Sundays we go to Irvington. Since the pandemic, we now do street. outreach seven nights a week in Newark. Through its weekly Runs, Bridges' volunteers provide immediate necessities including brown bag lunches, clothing and toiletries to homeless neighbors. A run is an opportunity for our student and adult volunteers to share conversation, friendship and hope to work towards Bridges' mission of ending homelessness through volunteer-driven outreach and case management focusing on health, housing and independence. On a Bridges' Run understanding develops, caring overcomes indifference, a sense of purpose prevails and friendships are formed based on mutual respect. Volunteers are the backbone of Bridges. Over 60 groups from high schools (both private and public), houses of worship, civic organizations and businesses volunteer with Bridges and go out on the weekly Run. In addition hundreds of volunteers help Bridges fulfill its mission by making brown bag lunches, donating clothing, toiletries, blankets and other necessities.
