Executive Director of Bridges to Housing Stability Stepping Down

Dear Friends of Bridges,

I am writing today to share some personal news. After more than 12 years with Bridges to Housing Stability, including seven as executive director, I will soon be stepping down to pursue other professional and personal opportunities.

When I joined Bridges in November 2013 to launch the Bridges Alliance program, we had a single affordable housing unit and a shared aspiration to one day reach 40. This past fall, we celebrated the addition of our 61st unit. This is a milestone that reflects not just growth, but our community’s collective commitment to housing stability and dignity. During my time here, I’ve had the privilege of helping launch six core programs, expanding our reach so that today Bridges rehouses 143% more households annually, employs 54% more staff, and sustains an annual budget that has grown by 361%. These numbers tell a powerful story, but the true impact lives in the hundreds of individuals and families who now have a place to call home.

Serving Bridges has also allowed me to come to know and love Howard County. Our partners, donors, volunteers, Board members, and staff are truly extraordinary. Your dedication, generosity, and belief in our mission are the reasons Bridges has become the strong, innovative organization it is today.

While leaving will be bittersweet, I am confident and hopeful about Bridges’ future. Our Board of Directors is deeply committed to identifying the next leader who will carry this work forward, and I am grateful to support a thoughtful and intentional transition. Our experienced and compassionate staff will continue to ensure stability, excellence, respectful service, and continuity throughout this process. You can expect an announcement this spring to introduce our new executive director and confirm my departure date.

As for what comes next for me, I am looking forward to traveling, spending time with family, volunteering locally and internationally, reading, writing, and exploring new ways to serve. Advocating for affordable housing and working to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring will always remain at the heart of my work. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together at Bridges and of the lives forever changed through stable housing.

lthough I will remain at Bridges for a few more months, I would be honored to celebrate one more time with you at Heroes for Housing, the final fundraiser under my leadership. Please join me on Monday, February 16, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at 18th & 21st as we recognize our local Housing Heroes and celebrate how far Bridges has come over the past 35 years. Sponsorships and tickets are available now on our website.

Thank you for being part of this journey, for believing in our mission, and for walking alongside me and Bridges through the years. I am deeply grateful.

With appreciation and hope,
Jennifer Broderick, LCSW
Executive Director