Message from the Executive Director

The Bridge Fund of New York Inc. is proud to work collaboratively with both public and private sources to prevent homelessness and hopelessness among the working poor. Since 1991, the organization has promoted collaboration and other best practices in the eviction prevention field to ensure that the greatest number of needy and deserving clients are helped. This approach and the support of all stakeholders are needed more than ever, given the acute demand for Bridge Fund services. This is due to the end of the moratorium on evictions, the severe lack of affordable housing, and other factors.

During 2023, our client programs in Westchester County and New York City successfully partnered with Catholic Charities, the Community Resource Center, Housing Court Answers, LaGuardia Community College, government, and others to prevent more than 1,770 individuals from losing their housing, most of it rent regulated. Through our Income Growth Initiative (IGI) in New York City, several clients were assisted in enhancing their job skills, securing new employment, and improving their finances. Others were prevented from dropping out of college. We know that, for too many young people, student loan debt without
a degree guarantees a lifetime of indebtedness and financial hardship.

We thank our community partners, funders, and former loan recipients for supporting our work and enabling us, effective next year, to extend Income Growth Initiative services to clients residing in Westchester County. All of us are grateful to our generous supporters for helping us prove once again that Prevention Is the Best Cure for Homelessness.