Charlie M. Celebrates His New Beginning
Dignity and Hope at Bridging
“I was finding household items for my new beginning,” says Charlie, who furnished his home through Bridging last year.
Charlie served in the United States Marine Corp. from 1982-1985 and later enjoyed a 30-year career as a chef.
“Two years ago, I lost everything, but because of the grace of God, some incredible agencies, and the community I was able to get things back where they needed to be,” he says.
Charlie felt grateful to find the services of Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), a St. Paul-based nonprofit serving Veterans. He connected with a social worker, found stable housing, and secured a referral to Bridging.
On the day of his Bridging appointment last year, though Charlie looked forward to selecting everything he needed to furnish his home, he carried heavy emotions from all that brought him to this point.
“I had been through a lot in the last two years. My mood was down to begin with.”
Charlie found unexpected warmth and connection shopping alongside volunteers Pat and Lynn, a couple who befriended him and helped him furnish his home.
“The team was incredibly awesome for me. Not only were we shopping for my home, I was able to see love first-hand, and they were helping me rebuild my life. It made me feel really special. I felt important,” he shared.
At Bridging, individuals experience the dignity of selecting for themselves a full-household setup of furniture and essential items for their homes. The team at Bridging also strives to create a person-centered experience that fosters belonging.
“The whole experience made me feel hopeful,” Charlie says.
The Comfort and Stability of Home
Bridging provides a foundational home setup of furniture and essential household items that offer newfound stability, comfort for a daily routine, and a relaxed and welcoming space for social connection. For Charlie, this social connection was something he carried home with him.
“Yesterday was the first day I hosted a dinner with my family members. I was so excited to host and have family over! I didn’t even eat. I was so busy serving and hosting the brunch we had.
I cooked grits, steaks, hashbrowns, waffles, and strawberries. It brought me back to my days as a chef, and I had so much fun doing it!
My place was nice and warm. We sat together at my new dining set. We used the pots and pans, the plates, and the silverware. I displayed everything with the tablecloth and napkins. I have pictures on my walls that make it feel really welcoming in here.
I felt engaged with my family. I was happy to be able to do this for them. I was able to give back in ways like they had given to me.”
Growth at Bridging Means More New Beginnings
Bridging works alongside community members who shop at Bridging, volunteers, staff, corporate partners, and donors who are all committed to Bridging’s vision that everyone lives in a furnished home.
“I’m starting a new life, a new beginning,” says Charlie. It feels like an honor, almost a privilege [to be in my furnished home because not everyone has this. I deserve it. Now I am able to get things back to where they needed to be and rebuild my life.”
Bridging is growing to meet the community’s continually rising needs for its services. With support of community partners who are invested in our community, we can Serve. More. Better. Together.
“When I come in the door of my home, it’s warm and inviting. Having housing is self-worth. You can’t feel that good about yourself, you can’t feel that good when you’re homeless. When you have your own home, it hits different. I feel blessed, I feel honored. I am grateful to MACV, Bridging, and many community agencies who have helped me and have such a great impact on people’s lives.”
