Bridges to Housing (B2H) is a regional initiative aimed at moving high need homeless families out of the cycle of homelessness by providing permanent affordable housing and intensive case management services that build on the strengths of family members. Clark County in Washington State and Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties in Oregon joined together (along with cities and Public Housing Authorities) to develop Bridges to Housing. In addition to supporting families in their efforts to obtain permanent housing and progress towards self-sustainability, Bridges to Housing is developing regional solutions to family homelessness. At the coordinating and governance levels, B2H focuses on stimulating policy changes and the re-alignment of public resources and needed systems. The first Bridges to Housing families were enrolled and housed in October of 2006 in Clark County. The project has rolled out gradually across the four jurisdictions as housing and resources for case management have become available. As of July 2009, over 260 families had enrolled in B2H.

The Regional Research Institute was asked by Neighborhood Partnerships, which administers B2H, to design and conduct an evaluation of the project. The evaluation of Bridges to Housing includes a longitudinal outcome study of children and families served by B2H, following them from the time of enrollment for up to two years. The key outcomes include stability in housing, changes in employment, changes in income, and stability in child care or educational settings. In addition, the evaluation includes a process study focusing on the implementation of B2H and the experience of providers and families and a comparison group study of the impact and relative effectiveness of B2H in improving outcomes for high need families and their children.

More information on the project can be found at: http://www.bridgestohousing.org/

Project Dates: October 1, 2006 - June 30, 2010