Voices of Lifebridge

"Something solid to hold on to..."
Tony, a client

Since I’ve been homeless, I’ve traveled all over the country and seen the dark side of shelters. When I came to Lifebridge, I knew it would be the safest, best place for me to make my transition into my own home. Unlike other shelters, where you have to watch your back wherever you go, Lifebridge is much more livable. I don’t feel pressed or threatened because I can see that the staff actually care about making everyone as comfortable as possible, even though many clients have some really tough problems. Staff work hard to help homeless people pick up the pieces when they don’t have something solid to hold onto, as I do. Later this year, I will move out of the Lifebridge shelter into the housing I have secured through the State. So, even though I am currently homeless, I’m looking forward to a stable situation very soon.

"I wanted to be part of a well-run organization..."
Dave Halter, a volunteer

"Before I retired I volunteered two evenings a week at a homeless shelter in Akron, Ohio, where I lived. Volunteering with the homeless was so rewarding I’ve continued it ever since. In fact, after I retired I became a full-time volunteer at a shelter in Wilmington, North Carolina. I’ve since moved to Salem and was happy to find Lifebridge. Knowing that I’m a part of a well-run organization that is actually helping people is important to me. I believe that an organization will only be as effective as its managers are. An emergency shelter, in particular, needs a strong leader who sets clear boundaries and has a vision for ending each person’s homelessness. Other employees, the general public, state and local politicians, and volunteers all need to be on board. Lifebridge has all of these. I’m proud to be part of such a great organization with a very positive future."

"You're in a safe place now"
Cheryl, a client

I became homeless after suffering fifteen years of domestic abuse, seeing my kids taken away from me, and losing both my job and my apartment. When I arrived at Lifebridge, I remember feeling so protected that it was as if the staff who helped me had a glow around them, saying, “You’re in a safe place now.” I was determined to work hard to improve my situation, getting up at 5:30 am to do chores, go to the career center, and apply for housing and disability. These days, finding a job is the hardest part, but I’ve been training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, and I have a passion for taking care of people, just as I’ve been cared for here at Lifebridge. The support I’ve received has been incredible, yet my heart aches because there are so many others who still have to sleep outside. That’s why I’ve been especially impressed with Lifebridge’s Community Outreach Team [which works on the streets.] They know that there are still many homeless people out there, and they have the heart to say, “We’ll bring Lifebridge out to you.”

"I'm happy here. It's given me a lot of independence..."
Ron, a client

"I lost my apartment on the worst day imaginable. It was snowing and I was still recovering from gall bladder surgery. I had no place to go and the police suggested I call Lifebridge. I think that call saved my life. I spent the next five months in the shelter, doing what was asked of me, which was to stay sober, see my mental health counselor, and apply for disability with the state. Eventually I started to feel ready for a place of my own, outside of the shelter, and staff suggested I apply for Seeds of Hope Housing, where I’ve now been living for a year. I’m happy here. It’s given me a lot of independence and the time to take care of my health. My room is new and clean. I even have a few good friends. Lately I’ve been going into Boston a lot to visit the Museum of Natural History. I’m also studying psychology and different languages. I still have a lot of challenges, but being stable is what will help me get through them."