View From The Bridge

January 2025

Quarterly

A Pelican Landing/Colony-based charity assisting neighbors in need when there is nowhere else to turn

Making a Difference

2024 in Review

Southwest Florida started 2024 still reeling from Hurricane Ian, which caused employment interruptions and a dramatic decrease in the supply of affordable housing. Even as life seemed to be returning to “normal,” two back-to-back powerful storms, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, struck in the fall.

In the meantime, many of our neighbors needed help with day-to-day difficulties. Through it all, The Bridge Fund (TBF) was there for those with nowhere else to turn.

Housing Costs in Focus

Rising rental costs often mean that working parents who managed to pay the bills and take care of occasional unplanned expenses are now forced to make no-win choices. Should they get the car repaired or pay the rent and electric bill? TBF can provide the assistance to “bridge the gap” between a family’s needs and means.

Other families, unable to pay higher rents, need to leave their current homes. Even if they locate a more affordable residence, up-front payments and deposits often are beyond their ability to pay. Rather than moving to a new address, they may find themselves homeless. “Where there’s a need, so is The Bridge Fund,” lending a hand with these one-time lease and utility charges that allow the family to obtain more affordable housing.

Thanks to TBF Family of Supporters, more than 300 seniors, families and other individuals were able to keep or obtain housing in 2024.

And More You Made Possible

Additional diagnostic procedures needed before a 16-year-old cancer patient could be admitted to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for long-term treatment.

Basic clothing for a student who escaped a house fire with only what he was wearing.

Urgent dental care for a migrant laborer dad who fell and knocked out several teeth, allowing him to eat without pain.

Food over Easter break for a mom who used her grocery money to pay for her daughter's emergency medical treatment.

Car repairs for a 67-year-old disabled veteran so that he could maintain his independence.

Impact of our Pelican Landing/

Colony-based Charity

Type of Help Provided in 2024

98% of all donations is available to meet community needs.

In 2024, over 600 families were positively impacted because of your support. TBF has provided shelter, food, medical and other assistance - Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Words of Thanks

Maggie's brother was living with Maggie and her children to share expenses. After he unexpectedly moved out, Maggie could no longer afford the apartment. She found an affordable place to live, but needed help with the upfront costs. TBF came through.

"My Family and I are beyond fortunate and grateful for the help we have received. Without this help we very well might have been homeless. While others offered me places for my kids to come and stay until I could save enough money to get a place, I couldn’t imagine being split up from them for months. Nor did they want to split up. You guys provided us an opportunity to stick together, keep a roof over our heads, and continue to do our best. Thank you for all that you do and have done for our family."

Save the Date!

Join us as we celebrate our 12th year of helping neighbors in need on April 14th at Pelican's Nest! We look forward to thanking our current Family of Supporters and introducing The Bridge Fund to other residents of Pelican Landing.

Stay tuned for more information!

The Bridge Fund

A Pelican Landing/Colony-based 501(c)(3) charity

assisting neighbors in need

Board Members: Mike Beebe, President; Beverly Haas, Vice President; Jim Herald, Vice President; Ann Soper, Secretary and Treasurer; Ron Bloom, Caroline Crew, Aileen Kevane, Sandy Mellinger, Bob Taylor, and Jay Trucks

https://www.thebridge-fund.org