A: Homelessness doesn’t always look like someone sleeping on a bench. In our community, it often takes the form of hidden homelessness, families doubling up with relatives, living in unsafe conditions, sleeping in cars, or bouncing from place to place without stability.

Bridget’s House was created because we saw the need firsthand, moms with children facing crisis, poverty, or housing insecurity who had nowhere safe to turn. Our community may not have tent cities, but we do have families quietly struggling.

Consider these local statistics:

• More than 150 students in our local area school districts are considered homeless under federal McKinney-Vento homelessness standards.

• More than 200 children face food insecurity every day.

• 29% of households in our community and across Ottawa County fall into the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category.

• Of those ALICE households, 79% are led by single mothers.

Bridget’s House exists to meet this real and urgent need, offering safety, stability, and support to families who would otherwise be overlooked.

A: Bridget’s House can host up to four families at a time. Each bedroom can accommodate a mom and up to 2 or 3 children under age 18. Each family is assigned their own room and designated spaces to promote order, dignity, and a sense of belonging within the shared home environment.

A: Families at Bridget’s House contribute a weekly program fee starting at $150. This is not rent, but a meaningful contribution toward shared living costs and an important step in building dignity, responsibility, and financial stability.

As part of our program design, fees increase gradually each quarter to help families become “rent ready” in today’s housing market. This approach allows moms to practice budgeting, plan ahead, and confidently prepare for independent living.

To further support their transition, $50 of each week’s fee is set aside in savings and returned upon successful completion of the program, providing a financial foundation as they take their next step into permanent housing.

A: Families participate in Phase 1 community living for an 8-month season, designed to provide stability, structure, and intentional support. During this time, we walk closely alongside each mom as she builds the foundation for a sustainable, hope-filled future.

A: Bridget’s House is far more than a place to stay. We offer holistic support, including mentorship, resource navigation, life skills training, and spiritual encouragement. Our team walks alongside each mom with personalized care, helping her pursue healing, stability, and long-term independence for her family.

A: While Bridget’s House does not provide direct childcare, we can assist families in finding reliable childcare while moms are working or in school. Children must always be supervised while in the home.

A: Bridget’s House is built on shared values of respect, safety, and responsibility. There are expectations around chores, guest policies, respectful parenting, and participation in program activities. Clear guidelines create a peaceful and structured environment for all.

A: Bridget’s House is rooted in faith and inspired by Romans 8:28. We point to Jesus because, in our experience, He is the very best way to live and do life. His love, grace, and truth offer the kind of transformation that touches every area of our hearts, homes, and futures. Participants are not required to be a Christian to live at Bridget’s House. We do not expect them to believe what we believe. We will always encourage positive choices which are healing and hope filled. You will always see Jesus here in our words and our actions.

A: Following Phase 1, families have the opportunity to transition into Phase 2, an 11-month season of independent living, where they continue to receive support and mentorship while taking the next steps toward full independence and long-term stability.

For families ready to move into housing on their own, we work with them to create an aftercare plan, including connections to long-term housing, employment, and community support. We remain a relational support even after they transition out of the house.

A: You can help Bridget’s House in so many meaningful ways, through prayer, shopping at our Resale Shoppe (which helps fund our programs), and by sharing your time, talents, and treasure. You can educate your friends and family about the hidden homelessness crisis in our community, volunteer with us, give financially, or even become a member of our Bridge Builder’s Community. Every action, big or small, helps transform lives.