Bridge House is stepping up its efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Englewood with the launch of a new Ready to Work program house. This initiative stands as the third of its kind, joining sister programs successfully operating in Boulder since 2015 and Aurora since 2018. The new program house will provide 50 beds, offering a structured path aimed at sustainably turning around the lives of adults who find themselves homeless. By offering paid work, housing, and case management, the initiative sets a comprehensive approach to reintegration into the community.
The main thrust of the program is to give participants a chance to work up to 29 hours per week with an outdoor landscape crew, fulfilling contracts across the Tri-Cities area. As reported by the City of Englewood, this work is not just about income, it's an integral piece in a larger puzzle that includes a sober communal living environment, complete with daily meals, laundry facilities, transportation, and around-the-clock staffing support. To join the program, interested individuals need to submit an online application.
According to the City of Englewood, the Ready to Work program has a strong track record, with three out of four participants graduating within 9-12 months. An encouraging 80% of these graduates remain employed, housed independently, and maintain stability in recovery a year after graduation. The economic benefit of such outcomes is notable, with individual graduates from the program contributing an average of $36,000 annually by paying taxes and participating actively in the workforce and housing economy. Cumulatively, host cities may see an estimated annual economic boost of $3M based on 30-36 graduates each year.
Adjacent to the Ready to Work house, the Tri-Cities Homeless Navigation Center will be serving up vital support through 20 short-term beds and day programming. This center will focus on collaborative case management to swiftly relocate individuals into long-term housing solutions, including the Ready to Work program. The Navigation Center, which is purposely not an emergency weather shelter nor a drop-off for overnight lodging, invites walk-in services from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Moreover, a second night’s stay may be granted after a case manager meeting to discuss a housing solution plan.
With ambitious objectives, the Navigation Center aims for those it serves to secure housing or another durable solution within 28 days of entry. This initiative is set to bring a significant benefit to the community as well, with an average annual advantage of $12,000 from individuals positively housed through the center’s efforts. While the road to recovery for individuals battling homelessness is never simple, the steps taken by Bridge House through these programs offer measurable hope and tangible resources for those eager to rebuild their lives.
