New York City, 2020 Report

Writing about 2020 proved to be especially difficult. This year was one of great loss and personal sadness. Fortunately, it was also marked by a renewed commitment to bring our City back stronger and better than ever. No one played a more important role in this than first responders and essential workers. To them, I am eternally grateful!

I’m also grateful to my colleagues, all of whom have remained steadfast in their resolve, working from home, to help as many needy clients as possible. It is worth noting that our case managers have been providing uninterrupted services since the start of the pandemic, mostly via phone, email and Zoom conferencing.

Former clients have also been helping out. Clients like LaGuardia Community College student Rebecca Mead, who chose to do her internship at The Bridge Fund of New York City. Today, she is gainfully employed elsewhere as a Community Health Worker, educating others on the importance of getting immunized. And Eliza Morales who, like other participants of our Income Growth Initiative, successfully completed her training and is now working as a Home Health Aide, caring for disabled individuals in their homes. She will be formally monitored for at least two years and helped in pursuing her dream of one day working in a hospital setting.

With support from these stakeholders, our funders, Board of Directors, Housing Court Answers, Coalition for the Homeless, Catholic Charites, the Human Resources Administration and other referral partners, The Bridge Fund of New York City was able to provide one or more services—compassionate listening, budget counseling, information and referral, benefits assessment and advocacy, plus career advisement—to many client-households during 2020.

The Bridge Fund also stabilized 628 households, with 1,512 individuals, including 543 children, in their affordable housing. Most received modest financial assistance, $1,474 per household, to pay outstanding rent. We also provided $68,417 as utility grants and food cards that benefitted more than 600 clients and their family members.

In 2021, we expect to do even more!

Maria Toledo, Director
The Bridge Fund of New York City