BRIDGE Housing Corporation

BRIDGE Housing is delighted to announce the launch of an equity fund, our latest innovative strategy to accelerate our work to address the housing crisis on the West Coast.   The BRIDGE Housing Impact Fund is on track to raise $350 million, enabling about $1 billion in investment to preserve and create affordable and workforce housing. The Fund is the latest milestone in our long legacy of harnessing the power of private capital to provide stable homes for low- and moderate-income families.   We owe a tremendous thanks to anchor investors KeyBank and BMO, and to PGIM Real Estate which is also a launch investor. We expect to announce additional partners in the coming months.   The Fund enables BRIDGE to move quickly to acquire affordable housing for long-term preservation, as well as market-rate housing that can be converted into income-restricted affordable and workforce housing, creating much-needed supply of housing within financial reach for more residents. It will be one of the largest equity funds sponsored by a nonprofit affordable housing provider and will help us maintain strong momentum toward our goal of adding 5,100 affordable units by 2027.   Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gQYhmVm7

At BRIDGE Housing, we are proud to celebrate #HispanicHeritageMonth — a time to honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, and countless achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities throughout the West Coast. We embrace these contributions as part of our shared commitment to building vibrant, inclusive communities where all people have the opportunity to thrive.

BRIDGE President and CEO Ken Lombard joined a panel of leading housing executives to offer a “View From the Top” at the Connect Apartments Conference in LA on Thursday. Ken was joined by Related California CEO Bill Witte, Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP Chairperson Matt Wyman, and Linc Housing CEO Rebecca Clark to discuss the state of the housing industry regionally and nationally. This included BRIDGE’s ongoing growth past 14,500 units as we continue to build, acquire, and preserve affordable housing throughout the West Coast.

Congrats to the City of Portland for not just reaching, but exceeding the goals of its first Housing Bond! The landmark $258 million bond is on course to create 1,859 affordable units for Portland households since it was passed 9 years ago – 43% more affordable units than originally targeted. BRIDGE Housing is proud to be developing the largest project to receive funding from the Portland Housing Bond to date – HollywoodHUB, at the Hollywood Transit Center. Set to open in 2027, this 224-unit community will provide affordable apartments ranging up to 3 bedrooms along with resident services, located near light rail lines, bus lines, and many neighborhood amenities. It’s a stellar example of a public-private partnership delivering real results for individuals and families. Read more in Portland’s Housing Bond Progress Report: https://lnkd.in/gymB-Ms6 #HollywoodHUB #Portland #affordablehousing

The team at BRIDGE Housing wishes you a happy and restful Labor Day! Today and every day, we honor the hard work and dedication of those who build, strengthen, and sustain our communities. #laborday

Thank you to ABC7 Los Angeles for a great report on the young BRIDGE residents who graduated from our “Building Bridges” skilled trades education program, in partnership with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. We appreciate you coming to Jordan Downs to spread the word about this fantastic program preparing young people for the careers of tomorrow!

As a new school year begins, BRIDGE has been busy helping young residents prepare for the classroom! We’re holding 32 backpack and school supply giveaways throughout the West Coast, in coordination with our service provider partners. These festive events are serving 1,700 BRIDGE students from elementary through high school. Today, we’re giving away backpacks and school supplies to 50 residents of Alemany Apartments in San Francisco, and connecting young residents with free haircuts and braidings to help them kick off the new year in style. We’ll have more giveaways ahead in Irvine, Oakland, San Rafael, Portland, Seattle and more. It’s all part of helping students achieve their fullest potential as they embark on a new year of learning and discovery!

BRIDGE was proud to welcome 200 residents, friends, and other guests for a special event last week at Kalmia Rose, our newest community at Jordan Downs. The occasion: to celebrate 44 young graduates of our skilled trades training partnership with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools! These talented students – residents of Kalmia Rose and our new Evermont community -- completed the three-week Building Bridges program, an intensive construction and welding program that provides hands-on training, a paycheck, and valuable industry credentials. The program provides young people with skills for future employment at a time of huge demand for skilled trades professionals to address our need for new housing, wildfire rebuilding, port electrification, the 2028 Olympics and more.     This was the second year for this successful partnership-- enrollment more than doubled compared to the pilot program last year, and program hours tripled.   BRIDGE is committed to providing pathways to opportunity for our residents through innovative partnerships and impactful learning experiences. We’re excited to see the Building Bridges program continue to thrive!   Thanks to Susan Neufeld for leading this extraordinary effort, and kudos to Lisa Rios Cherry and Hollie Frey for organizing a spectacular event!

We’re thrilled to welcome the newest senior member of the BRIDGE Housing Corporation team. Bridget Moody, MBA has joined us as Vice President and Chief of Staff, supporting our Chief Real Estate Officer, Sierra Atilano.   In this new role, Bridget will help drive key initiatives, strengthen strategy, and ensure team alignment in delivering high impact #AffordableHousing across the West Coast. Bridget brings a wealth of experience across market-rate, affordable, and senior housing, and we’re excited to have her on the team!   Click here to learn more about Bridget: https://lnkd.in/gStCX8n9

Congratulations to high school residents at two BRIDGE properties in South L.A. who are gaining invaluable skilled trades training through a partnership we created with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. The innovative program, now in its second year, is helping 40 teens living at Jordan Downs and Evermont unlock their potential by learning in-demand skills in welding and construction – skills that can lead directly to high-paying careers. This partnership embodies BRIDGE’s mission of helping our residents expand their possibilities for the future. KCAL News reporter Kara Finnstrom paid a visit to the training site for a story that aired this morning, highlighting some of the students and teachers making this program such a success. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/gfTSJq-U