History

The Bridge began with a handful of dedicated volunteers and an emergency shelter housing six families. The founding board of directors’ desire was to provide a temporary shelter with a home-like environment that would serve as a “bridge” to assist individuals and families in returning to positive places in society. Through vision, passion and diligence during the past 32 years, The Bridge has become the sixth largest comprehensive crisis center in Texas, annually serving more than 20,000 people, through residential/non-residential services and community outreach and prevention/education programs.

Population Served

The Bridge targets southeast Harris County, a population of approximately 526,000, including: the cities of Pasadena; South Houston; La Porte; Jacinto City; Channelview; Deer Park; and Galena Park; and the southeast portion of Houston. Approximately 95% of clients have very low income levels (as defined by The Department of Housing and Urban Development). At any given time, children account for 50% of the emergency shelter population. The agency serves a diverse range of clients: 55% are Hispanic; 20% are African American; 23% are Anglo; and 2% identify themselves as Asian, Native American or other.