Many of us have a heartfelt reaction when we see people living on the streets. The team at Bridges 2 Hope is combining that compassion with action and resources to help individuals find homes. In three short years, they have emplaced the many pieces of the puzzle together to help rehabilitate 32 and find homes for 35 from our unhoused community.

The non-profit was founded in 2021 by Peggy Grabow, a registered nurse, who teamed up with Susan Veldey, also a nurse, peer support advisor Jacquie McClure and now President Michele Verdugo. The passion these four women have for their work stems from personal exposure to the significant struggles addiction, mental health and homelessness can create. Grabow has worked with the unhoused for over a decade and Veldey is a lifelong advocate for food insecurity and health access equality. McClure survived 18-months on the streets, while Verdugo proudly celebrates 29 years of sobriety and has helped family members overcome addiction. They understand first-hand that it takes patience, time and trust to truly help the men and women of this vulnerable population, and they are faithfully there for them.

Bridges to Hope’s (B2H) mission is to bridge the gap between the numerous organizations, medical teams and social services available to the unhoused and to build trust with those they serve. They do so by joining forces and setting up in the same outdoor location at the same time each week so individuals can come to them. They’ve done so faithfully for three years, rain or shine, and know the stories and names of their constituents. But more importantly, those they serve have come to know them as compassionate volunteers and professionals who sit and chat with them each and every week.

“Not everyone is ready for help,” says Veldey, “But when they are, they know they have a trusting place—and trusting people—to come to.”

B2H clients Tyler and Cassie gratefully maintain employment and their new apartment.

Every Tuesday from 6-8p at the corner of Washington and Country Club in Palm Desert, B2H offers a warm meal, water, clothing and shoes while Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine and Eisenhower Health’s street medicine team offer medical care. Psychologist Brian Wexler, PhD is there to offer mental health services while Behavioral Health Specialist Sam Murillo of Riverside University Health System’s Justice Outreach Team is there to help open the door for substance abuse prevention, treatment and behavioral health services.

“Bridges to Hope offers a safe place for me to sit with the people I am trying to help,” says Murillo, another caring heart who has walked the walk. “I’ve built rapport and trust over time and that’s what it takes sometimes to break down the barriers.”

Every other week Overflow 9:12 offers mobile showers, haircuts, toiletries and undergarment essentials, while Broken Chains and Celebrate Recovery provide Narcan training and product to combat drug overdose.

When individuals are ready to take the next steps to help themselves, B2H is there to assist. The team takes time to identify needs and desires—from finding Taz sized 30×30 jeans to opening the door of Matthew’s new apartment, from providing transportation to helping with ID card and food stamp applications.

Matthew shows his appreciation on move-in day.

For those who show promise in remaining clean and sober, B2H brings together community organizations to help secure housing including Jewish Family Services which facilitates housing and adult protection services, and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG).

All B2H offers clients is through volunteerism, donations and grants—from their weekly meals, furnishings, clothing and transportation, to the time, care and respect they provide the people they serve. Individuals and businesses can assist by sponsoring a weekly meal (like caterer Thom Emery who sponsors a monthly barbeque) or providing necessities like flashlights, sleeping bags, and backpacks for those entering treatment. Home sponsorships include furnishings, a kitchen or bathroom set up, or an initial food stock.

“Bridging the gap starts with care and respect which is the most important thing you can offer members of our unhoused community,” says Verdugo, “because it’s easier to help someone when you know who they are.”

For more information about Bridges 2 Hope and how you can help, visit www.thebridges2hope.com or (760) 831.0840, [email protected]. Editorial by Lauren Del Sarto.