Housing and Basic Needs

Bridging the Gap Program

Program Mission

Connect young adults transitioning out of the foster care system to stable housing and other wraparound services, including education and career opportunities and wellness support, so they can move toward independence and economic stability.

How The Program Works

Participants (ages 18-24) receive housing vouchers and are paired with a family support coach who helps them achieve goals around workforce readiness, education and more. Hover of the icons to learn 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.

Over the past year, 141 young adults were enrolled in Bridging the Gap and 81% maintained housing.

We help participants set goals and access skill-building opportunities so they’re ready for the next step in their education or career journey.

Our family support coaches work one-on-one with participants to assess their needs and connect them to community resources that support mental health and wellness.

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Why It Works

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Why It Works

Our Stories

10 Ways You Supported Metro Denver Families in 2024
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
Finding a Future with Mile High United Way
10 Ways You Supported Metro Denver Families in 2024
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
Finding a Future with Mile High United Way
10 Ways You Supported Metro Denver Families in 2024
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

As 2024 comes to an end, we are reminiscing about the many ways you stepped up to support Metro Denver families! Here’s how you created change this year …

December 17, 2024

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

Anika joined Bridging the Gap almost a decade ago after she turned 18 and exited Colorado’s foster care system. After years of unexpected circumstances, health challenges and even tragedy, Anika has a new outlook on life.

January 28, 2025

As 2024 comes to an end, we are reminiscing about the many ways you stepped up to support Metro Denver families! Here’s how you created change this year …

December 17, 2024

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

Anika joined Bridging the Gap almost a decade ago after she turned 18 and exited Colorado’s foster care system. After years of unexpected circumstances, health challenges and even tragedy, Anika has a new outlook on life.

January 28, 2025

As 2024 comes to an end, we are reminiscing about the many ways you stepped up to support Metro Denver families! Here’s how you created change this year …

December 17, 2024

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
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.