Program Purpose

The purpose of Bridge House for Men is to provide safe transitional housing for homeless men. In this environment, the resident learns necessary life skills and obtains appropriate job training. With these learning skills, he can break his cycle of dependency. The program works in partnership with the resident.

Who Is Eligible?

The program targets a specific population of homeless men between the ages of 18 and 34. The potential resident must reside in an OSHA sanctioned program, be currently involved in a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation program, or be referred by a professional agency that can confirm homelessness.
No one can be admitted to the program without prior OSHA approval.
The applicant must possess the motivation to live in a structured environment and accept the help offered.
Anyone actively involved in substance abuse (drugs or alcohol) is not eligible for the program.

Services Offered

The program offers a wide range of services to assist each resident reach his goal of self-sufficiency. Some, but NOT all of the services, are:

•  A safe structured, supportive living environment
•  Individualized case management
•  Life skills assessment and suitable training
•  Parenting skills
•  Job readiness and career counseling
•  Allied health issue assistance
•  Individual financial savings plan
•  Affordable-housing counseling
•  Post-graduate follow-up and assistance for one year.

Program Structure

The Bridge House Program has a set structure but within that structure there is designed flexibility. A four-level phase system of service, tied to a timeline, enables the resident to progress at the rate and level needed to successfully accomplish his goals and graduate the program in a timely fashion. If adjustments are indicated in the delivery of services, they are made for the resident as indicated.
Individual goal planning is a part of the individualized case management services. The resident designs his initial goal plan with the assistance of the case manager during the first 30 days of his stay. He will develop at least live more goal plans as he progresses through the program phase system to graduation.
The goal plans only work when the resident actively participates in the planning process. Upon completion of the program, the resident is issued a certificate of completion and participates in the graduation ceremony held each year.

Length of Stay

The program is designed for a resident to graduate in six months. Under the homeless assistance act the resident has 12 months of eligibility for transitional housing.

Fee for Service

The state of Pennsylvania mandates that all supported transitional housing programs charge the resident a fee for service for his use of the program. That fee is based on a sliding scale of 30% of a resident's income once he has secured a source of income. Transitional housing programs supported by the state of Pennsylvania, like Bridge House, are not bound by any established landlord/tenant agreements.

Referrals

To make a referral to the program, contact Britton C. Jones, Director for Residential Services at (215)877-1925 ext. 107, or the office for Case Management Services at (215)877-1925 ext. 503.

Location

The Bridge House for Men Program is located at 4300 Monument Road on the grounds of Methodist Home for Children (MHC) Bennett and Simpson Enrichment Services (BASES). BASES is located at Monument Avenue between Simpson House and Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment.