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Housing & Basic Needs

Bridging The Gap

Program Mission

Provide young adults transitioning out of the child welfare system with wraparound services, including access to stable housing, education and career opportunities, and wellness supports to help them build greater independence and economic stability. 

How The Program Works

Participants (ages 18-24) are provided housing vouchers and paired with Family Support Coaches to help them achieve goals around workforce readiness, education, and more.

program to help young adults aging out of the child welfare system in Colorado

Participants receive a 3-year housing voucher (with a potential 5-year extension), and some are eligible for lifetime vouchers. We also own a 24-unit long-term housing facility in central Denver for participants.

We help participants prepare for the next step of their education or career journey by setting goals and accessing skill-building opportunities. We also host workshops to build their resume and interview skills as well as career fairs to connect participants with employers across Metro Denver.

Our Family Support Coaches work one-on-one with participants to assess their needs, provide guidance, and connect them to community resources that support mental health and wellness.

Helping youth who are transitioning from the foster case system in Metro Denver - learn more about the program

Why THE PROGRAM WORKS

  • When young adults have access to stable housing, they can focus on pursuing academic and professional opportunities, caring for their families, establishing financial security, and more.
  • Providing access to education and training on “in-demand” career opportunities is a path to economic and financial independence.
  • Advocating for improvements in child welfare and family stability programs strengthens communities.

Impact At A Glance

Last year:

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Our Stories

Mid-Session Review: Creating Pathways to Success for all Coloradans
Mile High United Way Acquires New Long-Term Housing Facility for Bridging the Gap Participants
From Foster Youth to Living Coach: How Tawny is Using Her Experience to Help At-Risk Youth in Metro Denver
From Lost to Found: Finding My Voice After Leaving the Child Welfare System
The most important thing was someone telling me, “YOU CAN”

From connecting families to quality early childhood education and supporting migrant families to helping middle- and low-income residents access valuable tax credits, we are working toward a brighter future for all Coloradans.

April 3, 2023

In May 2022, Mile High United Way Bridging the Gap participants began moving into a new long-term housing facility in Denver’s North Capitol Hill neighborhood. These studio apartments will provide long-term housing for 24 participants.

May 19, 2022

Tawny grew up in the child welfare system and now dedicates her life to helping foster youth. Read Tawny’s story!

March 5, 2020

With the support of Mile High United Way’s Bridging the Gap program, Gloria has gone on to become an advocate for youth housing for young adults existing the child welfare system. Gloria recently sat down with her Independent Living Coach, Anna Marie, to share her story.

November 12, 2019

“At Bridging the Gap I met my independent living coaches. I received a housing voucher, I got support to get diapers, and they even helped me get my GED so I wouldn’t have to work a minimum wage job and try to get by.”

April 30, 2019
Program Goals

OUR 2025 GOALS

Have 80% of participants and their families remain in stable housing, maintaining their voucher each year until they transition out of the program.

Have 85% of participants connected to employment and/or enrolled in school by the end of their experience in the program. 

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BRIDGING THE GAP

Invest in Mile High United Way’s community programs, like Bridging the Gap, to help families move toward economic success.