Bridges AfterCare - Family Supportive Housing

Studies show that families are at greatest risk of relapsing into homelessness during the first two years after leaving a shelter.

We launched our Bridges AfterCare program in 2008 to address this risk, known as recidivism.

AfterCare offers families the necessary supportive services based on their own unique needs. Every family has their own story. Some need assistance for just a few weeks, while others need longer term support. Taking time to carefully evaluate the family’s situation is crucial to provide them the appropriate care.

We focus our work with AfterCare families on finances, education and health — three pillars of long-term independence.

Bridges AfterCare helps families eliminate barriers to maintaining stable housing, and build the skills and community connections that they need to put homelessness behind them, forever.

AfterCare has been crucial to the ongoing success of many families we serve.

Our Service Model

Building Skills

AfterCare families commit to ongoing case management, utilize FSH supportive services, and participate in financial literacy, health and wellness, and educational activities at San José Family Shelter.

Unlocking Potential

We develop personalized strategies with each AfterCare family to put homelessness behind them. Our Case Managers coach families on budgeting, being a good tenant, and remaining healthy and active.

Problem Solving

AfterCare staff coach families on effective problem solving. They can negotiate with landlords, when needed, and help families to deal with the new costs and challenges of moving into permanent housing.

Locating Resources

We encourage AfterCare families to connect with local job search centers, health and dental clinics, legal services, credit counselors and more. These programs help families to build mainstream community ties.

Our Impact Goals

Our goal is for Bridges AfterCare to become a national model for effectively guiding families from homelessness to self-sufficient lives in the community. We aim to achieve the following measurable impacts for families:

Finances

By the time they exit AfterCare, families will be stably housed with higher employment and income levels, more savings, less debt and better credit scores.

Education

Families will advance their education: children and youth will remain enrolled in school, and parents will complete certificate, vocational and/or GED programs.

Health

Families will report increased health screening and immunization rates, and will experience fewer health-related absences from school or work.