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2009 Program Outcomes

Survey Results from December 2009

Bridge Communities has helped nearly 425 families cross the bridge from homelessness to self sufficiency and permanent housing.  In 1999, Bridge began to survey client families one-year after they exited the two-year Transitional Housing program.  133 former client families, who have successfully completed the Program, have replied to the self-reporting survey.  Results from the 2009 surveys indicate overwhelmingly that while in the Transitional Housing program, Bridge client families developed the skills necessary to live productive self sufficient lives.

Housing, Employment, Debt Managment and Educational Outcomes

Housing

100% of clients that exited the Program in the past year (who completed the survey), were able to maintain permanent, stable housing

61% subsidized housing - Howlett Initiative partnership with Dupage Housing Authority
28% fair market rental
11% own a home

Employment

88% of former clients were able to maintain stable employment

76% full-time employment
12% part-time employment
12% unemployed - one graduate is a full-time student

Debt Management

66% of former clients had not increased level of debt since they left the Program

11% no debt
22% debt decreased
33% debt remained the same
34% debt increased - primarily due to home ownership or student loans

Continuing Education

50% of former clients continued to improve their education

21% pursuing their bachelor's degree
17% earned specialized education certification
6% pursuing their mater's degree
6% earned their GED