Despite the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, 2022 was a busy yet productive year for The Bridge Fund of Westchester. Our team continued to face challenges associated with under-employment and food insecurity for clients, coupled with an increase of cases on housing court dockets and major upticks in evictions. However, the number of individuals and families assisted and the monies the program was able to mobilize were at an all-time high in 2022.

Throughout the year, The Bridge Fund had 5,400 requests for assistance, an increase of more than 2,300 compared to pre-pandemic times. While all requests for assistance were met with information and referral services, the program was also able to assist 749 households with case management, advocacy, and budget counseling services. Bridge Fund financial assistance was received by 339 of these households. The interest-free loans, grants, and subsidies averaged less than $1,600 per household, compared to the more than $50,000 it costs taxpayers to house one family in a shelter for a single year.

In addition to regular Bridge Fund programming, our Westchester staff championed an Eviction Prevention Program geared to assist the City of Yonkers. The Federal Government awarded us funding to help Yonkers citizens facing rental arrears caused by the pandemic. This program had more than 5,000 requests for assistance. The Bridge Fund of Westchester assisted 284 of these households with this program in 2022. Staff was able to distribute nearly $4 million for Yonkers residents, including payments of rental arrears, help with short-term subsidies, and utility payments. We recognize the importance of offering financial assistance paired with pertinent services to not only resolve the imminent risk and crisis, but to ensure long-term stability and minimize recidivism.

As state and federal protections for renters diminish and court dockets hit record highs since the onset of the pandemic, The Bridge Fund team continues to gear up for what is to come in the weeks, months, and years ahead. The Westchester program remains active in community-mobilizing activities by co-chairing the Eviction Prevention Network and advocating for funding, services, and agency partnerships to ensure safe, affordable, and habitable housing for the hard-working residents of Westchester County. The Bridge Fund of Westchester looks forward to 2023 to continue the fight to help Westchester residents shift from crisis recovery to rebuilding and thriving.

Please help continue our work with your contributions.

Grace Perry Scott
Director, The Bridge Fund of Westchester