+ I do not have any identification. Can I receive services?

Identification is not a requirement to go through the intake process and receive services at The Bridge. A Bridge ID will be issued upon completion of intake that will allow you access to our campus.

+ I have used drugs and/or alocohol within the last few days. Will I be tested before entering?

Drug testing is not a requirement to receive services at The Bridge. Illegal drugs and paraphernalia are not permitted and will be confiscated and turned into the police. Approved prescription medications are permitted with proper documentation.

Cigarette smoking is permitted in designated areas on campus.

+ I do not have money. Will I need to pay for services?

All services are free of charge to Guests. Money will never be required or exchanged for any reason.

+ Is The Bridge safe?

Safety is our top priority, and The Bridge is staffed 24-hours a day, 365-days a year with our trained and certified safety officers. Illegal weapons are not allowed on campus and will be confiscated upon entry. If a Guest requires tools for work, they can check it in upon entry and check it out upon exit.

Each time a guest enters our campus, they are required to participate in a screening, similar to security at an airport. Guests are asked to walk through a metal detector and their bags are run through an electronic baggage screener.

+ What are your hours?

Day Shelter services are from 6:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Guests residing at The Bridge are required to check in by 6:00 pm.
*Talk to your Care Manager if you need to make alternate entry arrangements due to an evening job.

The Bridge is the only Day Shelter available to all adults experiencing homelessness. You can receive Day Shelter services even if you are sheltered at different shelter at night.

+ Intake Process

Each Guest is required to meet with an intake specialist when they first arrive at The Bridge. This initial screening allows The Bridge to provide you with information, referrals for night shelter and other recovery services, connect you with a Care Manager, and provide you with a Bridge ID that will allow you access to our campus.

+ Can I bring personal items with me?

Guests are allowed to bring personal items with them, such as clothing, blankets and toiletries. Space is limited and all necessary items for bathing, hygiene, food and water will be provided once inside.

Guests are not allowed to bring outside food or drinks for health and hygiene purposes. Reusable water bottles are welcomed, as there are several water fountains on campus for Guests.

+ What items are not allowed on campus?

Items that are not allowed on campus include: illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, alcohol, food, snacks, drinks (other than water), weapons (tools required for work will be checked in and out of The Bridge at the Safety Box in the Intake Building), and animals other than approved dogs.

+ I am homeless and I have a dog. Will I be able to bring it with me?

We have an onsite kennel for Guests with dogs, please let the intake staff know that you have a dog when you arrive on campus.

Guests are responsible for caring for their dogs while staying at The Bridge. All food and supplies will be provided by The Bridge at no cost to our Guests. We also have a partnership with Operation Kindness and local veterinarians to ensure the dogs receive proper care and medical treatment.

+ Will The Bridge give out information about me if anyone inquires?

Guest safety, security and anonymity are of highest importance and Bridge staff will not confirm or deny if someone is staying here, with the exception of The Dallas Police Department and parole officers. If a loved one wants to leave a message for you, we will make sure your Care Manager delivers it to you. It will then be up to you if they want to respond.

+ Day Shelter

The Bridge serves about 800 people a day with day shelter services. A monitored courtyard and climate controlled indoor pavillion are a safe environment when Dallas environmental factors might put Guests at risk on the street.

The Bridge's daytime services are open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

+ Food

The Bridge serves three nutritious meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are available to every Guest who comes on campus. Because of our curfew, dinner is offered to overnight Guests only.

Meal Hours:

• Breakfast: 7:30 am to 8:30 am
• Lunch: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
• Dinner: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

+ What kind of food is served?

Through our partner, The Stewpot, fresh meals are prepared daily and always include a balance of nutrients and flavor. Each meal will include a recommended serving of proteins, fruit, vegetables, and water or milk. The team works with a dietician to ensure that the meals are both nutritious and enjoyable. Careful planning is put into what might be best and easiest for our Guests to eat. Sack lunches are available for guests who work during the day.

You will not find instant food or all canned meals in our kitchen! Additionally, The Bridge recently planted a community garden on campus where fresh vegetable and herbs will go into the guest meals.

+ Clothing

We provide emergency clothing items such as underwear, socks, pants, shirts, shoes as well as clothing for job interviews. Go to the Welcome Center desk or talk to your Care Manager about your clothing needs and they will help you.

Interesteed in making an in-kind donation? Find out how you can donate clothing and other items.

+ Showers and Personal Hygiene

Safe and private restrooms, showers, and personal hygiene supplies are available on our campus. An additional restroom is available in intake for those spending the night on the street.

Interested in providing these items for our Guests? Find out how you can donate hygiene kits.

Need a haircut? Mack's Barbershop at The Bridge is our on-campus barbershop that provides haircuts to our Guests thanks to the generosity of the McManemin Family Fund at the Communities Foundation of Texas.

Barbershop hours are posted in the Welcome Building.

+ Supplementary Day Shelter Activities

Volunteers and staff work together to provide extra services to our Guests. An on campus library has computer access and books. Weekly activities like art class, spiritual journey groups, and philosophy group are also optional regularly scheduled services.

Interested in donating your time? Find out how you can volunteer at The Bridge.

+ Night Shelter

Please visit our Night Shelter FAQ page for information on receiving Night Shelter at The Bridge.

+ Care Management

Care Managers at The Bridge are licensed social workers that assess each individual Guest on a one-on-one basis to determine where they are in their journey and create a path out of homelessness. Care Managers make referrals for employment, housing, addiction recovery, medical needs, and governmental benefits.

+ On Campus Healthcare

We are privledged to offer both behavorial and physical healthcare directly on our campus in partnership with MetroCare and Parkland clinics.

Metrocare is a behavorial healthcare clinic that offers chemical dependency care, dual diagnosis services, and recovery services. Parkland is a physical healthcare clinic that offers screenings, acute and chronic disease care, and prescriptions.

Hours:

Metrocare and Parkland Clinics are open Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

+ Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

The Bridge provides an EMT on our campus through Dallas Fire Rescue for 12 hours each day to address emergency needs as well as assist Guests with minor health concerns. To access the EMT please notify a safety officer or visit the EMT office.

This helps to reduce the number of unnecessary ambulatory visits on our campus and reduce the number of people going to the Parkland clinic for minor concerns.

+ Counseling

The Bridge has a Licensed Counselor on campus five days a week to offer additional help and tools to maximize the mental health of interested Guests. Care Managers connect their Guests to this service.

+ 12 Step Groups

Anonymous 12 step groups like AA and NA have regular meetings on The Bridge's campus. There is access to a peer group and sponsors who are available to help.

+ Peer Support

Individuals who have successfully recovered from homelessness and/or addiction work with Guests to help encourage them in their own recovery. They lead support groups and provide an additional source of support and understanding.

+ Employment and Income

Dallas Workforce Solutions provides on campus employment services to our Guests through job preparedness and job search acitivites as well as connections to local job fairs. The Bridge and our partners work to help our Guests gain income through Medicare, Medicaid, disability services, social security, veteran’s benefits, and other income sources the Guest may qualify for.

+ Kennel

The Bridge has an on campus climate controlled kennel wih sixteen individual spaces for Guest's who are staying at The Bridge and have dogs. There is a grooming area and outside fenced play area. Guests are responsible for taking their dogs out and feeding their dogs. The Bridge works with donors and volunteers to provide dog food for feedings and basic veterinary care. A part time Kennel Coordinator is on hand to offer supplementary care and ensure the needs of the dogs are being met.

Interested in helping in the kennel? Find out more about volunteering in the kennel or offering veterinary services.

+ Housing

The Bridge's ultimate goal is to help each Guest end their homelessness. The Bridge works with local partners and organizations to connect Guests to a permanent housing solution that will be sustainable for that individual. Housing solutions include affordable independent living, supportive housing, nursing care facilities, group homes, transitional housing, and family reunification. We help our Guests connect with housing vouchers and other assistance programs and provide support when they transition into housing.

Please meet with your Care Manager to discuss housing opportunities that are available to you.

+ Housing Follow Up Services

Guests in our Intensive Care Management program receive up to three months of scattered-site follow-up to ensure they can transition smoothly from The Bridge. Care Managers help with any issues that may arise to ensure financial stability, health and the Guest's ability to keep housing.