Dear Friends,

Thank you for the many ways you touch, inspire and support people. We simply could not do it without you. I have some exciting news to share with you!

Since we served our first dinner in December of 2005, many strides have been taken. We now serve 15 mealtimes a week from Sunday through Friday afternoon, totaling in excess of 3000 meals per week. We provide our guests with phone service; help them to obtain state identification cards; and offer them a safe place to form connections with others. This summer, we will be implementing an ID program that will allow guests to register emergency contact information and give them convenient access to additional services such as the internet and the onsite library. I’m proud of our past accomplishments and very excited about our future.

Speaking of the future brings me to my exciting news. Going forward from June 10, 2009, CARES Outreach will officially become “The Bridge.” The name change came about as a result of lengthy and serious, prayerful consideration and we want you, our faithful supporters, to learn of it before it is announced to the public. Following are some of the factors that were taken into account when deciding on this change:

• • The Bridge connotes a connection. This ministry that you support connects people in many ways. Short-term, it connects our guests to each other in friendship and to members of their families whom they might not be able to reach without our help. Ultimately, our goal is to connect them with a home of their own.
• • As part of the city’s Continuum of Care, we connect with other agencies in the city who offer help to those in need.
• • Coming together in this place connects those who come from many different churches, organizations and other groups to work toward the common goal of helping to end the cycle of homelessness in Saint Louis.
• • By becoming a 501© 3 agency independent of Centenary United Methodist Church, The Bridge is eligible for government funding available to nonprofit organizations that will allow us to further expand programs for the benefit of our guests.
• • After 3 years of finding our way, The Bridge allows us to go forward as a ministry of all those who support it; making it, in truth and name, “Your homeless ministry in the city.” I look forward to working with you in the future as we connect in more exciting and fruitful ways to bridge the gaps in the lives of those we serve.

  Blessings,
  Pastor Kathleen Wilder, Executive Director, The Bridge The Bridge is a drop-in center providing a variety of services for the sojourners in downtown St. Louis, MO who are currently living without a home of their own.

  The Bridge offers:

  • • Food: Our kitchen currently serves in excess of 3000 meals per week.
  • • Facilities: Restrooms and phones are available to the more than 500 guests who visit daily.
  • • Hygiene items: The emergency pantry provides guests with soap, shampoo, tooth brushes and tooth paste, disposable shavers and other items necessary to maintaining personal cleanliness. We will soon be offering shower facilities, as well.
  • • Mail Service: The Bridge provides guests a USPS address, giving them the opportunity to maintain personal relationships with family and friends and to establish contact of a business nature. (An individual must have a permanent mailing address to apply for a job.)
  • • Shelter: The Bridge offers shelter from the elements and a safe place to rest and connect with others during the day.
  • • Support: There are many barriers to reestablishing one’s independence. At The Bridge, guests will find volunteers to help them replace lost documents (birth certificates) and secure new ones (valid state IDs).
  • • Opportunity: Computers and internet access will soon be available for those looking for jobs and who wish to communicate with friends and family via email.
  • • Connectivity: As part of the Continuum of Care in St. Louis, The Bridge partners with other agencies that provide services for citizens in need. Rather than duplicate efforts, The Bridge focuses on its strengths and refers guests to other agencies when additional support is needed.
  • • Fun: Human beings have an innate need for joy in their lives, no matter what their current circumstances. Each year, The Bridge hosts a Christmas party for guests and their families. This summer, a lending library will open on site. The New Day Community Choir brings together the combined voices of guests of The Bridge and other downtown agencies.

  The Bridge relies heavily on its volunteers. If you would like to explore ways you might assist us, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Debra Crowe at 314-421-3136, ext.105, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

  If you would like to make a financial donation, please contact Pastor Kathleen Wilder at 314-479-8446 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

  To learn more about The Bridge, please come visit us at our downtown location. Look for us soon on our new website at: www.bridgestl.org

  Find out what you can do to help a sojourner bridge the gap between here and home.

  Upcoming events:

  Wednesday, June 17, 11 – 1 p.m. Little Caesar’s LOVE KITCHEN onsite Friday, June 26, 4 – 6 p.m. BBQ ribs & chickens for sale Mustard Seed Catering Summer Friday kick-off. Every Friday until Labor Day.

  For more info.: contact Lu Oros, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it