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.
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.
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:
- 332 family members housed through vouchers
- 85 participants held a job for three or more months
- 25 participants enrolled in an education program
Our Stories
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.
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.
Tawny grew up in the child welfare system and now dedicates her life to helping foster youth. Read Tawny’s story!
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.
“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.”
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.
Support
BRIDGING THE GAP
Invest in Mile High United Way’s community programs, like Bridging the Gap, to help families move toward economic success.