Transforming Lives Through Housing Stability: Shannie Johnson at 1 Day At a Time Shares the Impact of Bridging and Their Partnership

Shannie J. is a housing stabilization supervisor with 1 Day At A Time (1DAAT), a St. Paul-based nonprofit and Bridging agency partner that offers housing education and resources to people in the seven-county metro area who are transitioning to housing stability and home ownership.

For the past year, this “small but mighty” team of five staff members has provided referrals to Bridging.

“I’m the first intake person. I help with the whole process. … We meet people where they are at. We want to support people every step off the way.”

If someone needs home furnishings, Shannie talks with the family over the phone or on a Zoom call to find out their needs. She completes the Bridging’s online registration, including a preference form that indicates the types, colors, and sizes of furniture each person would need and enjoy in their home. She also schedules Bridging appointments on behalf of 1 Day at a Time clients. If someone is unable to pay the fees for the Bridging furnishings and delivery, Shannie’s team also finds resources to help cover the costs.

Once a Bridging appointment is confirmed, each person is enrolled in a housing education class offered by 1 Day At A Time. 1DAAT Executive Director Richard McLemore II facilitates an overview of the Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities Guide written by the Attorney General’s Office of Minnesota, providing important information about housing and financial barriers. As self-advocates, participants are empowered to access safe and affordable housing and “learn how to build up a stable lifestyle.”

Shannie appreciates the dignity that people experience while they furnish their homes through Bridging.

“We work with families and young adults. They love the option to choose. They like that Bridging tailors the appointment to each person’s preferences and needs. ‘Do you like a tall dresser, or a wide one?’ And the furniture that is donated is in really good condition. They can make their house the way they like it. They can make their house a home.”

Shannie also appreciates Bridging’s mission and service model:

“Bridging’s mission — the kind of work that you do, to the extent that you do it — is very unique,” she says. “It’s affordable. You have huge capacity. You can furnish an entire home. It’s very neat and organized. You are very centralized and serve a broad area effectively.”

The 1 Day At A Time team values their partnership with Bridging.

“Besides the work we do with our clients, we have formed meaningful connections with people at Bridging,” she says. “If someone has a question that I can’t answer, I can reach out to Miss Amy and she’ll quickly respond. I like the friendship we have with Bridging. Bridging is a resource that fulfills an important need in the community.”