The Bridge For Community Services

To provide a bridge of support and assistance through resources within the community.

On a crisp November morning 15 years ago, a group of us got up and went downtown at 6 a.m. to meet some friends and serve a continental breakfast to the homeless. Frankly, I had never been in that part of town before; it was on 9th Avenue and Buchanan under the 7th Ave bridge.

What I saw that morning changed my life forever. I knew there were people who are poor and living in the street. As a Haitian, I have seen poverty but certainly not in the context to which I was exposed that first morning. I was flabbergasted to see people living in such a state, in the State of Arizona right down the street from the Capitol in one of the most influential cities in America!

I came home feeling totally distraught, asking myself why isn't anyone doing something about this atrocity? Why? Why? Why? Then deep down inside, I heard a small soft voice whispering why haven't YOU done anything about it? I remember shedding a few tears over the realization that it only takes one person to make a difference.

As the story will unfold, I never stopped going on Sunday mornings, and through these 10 years, although the location has now changed to 12th Avenue and Madison. I've seen one miracle after another. Lives have been changed, friendships / alliances have been born, an army of volunteers have been galvanized, provisions have been made. Sure, adversities still exist, but through it all, our hands and feet have become the hands and feet of Jesus!

I will encourage you, as you read these words, if you are hearing that small soft voice regarding any area of your life, don't ignore it. Please do what it says. I promise you will never regret it; I did not.

In Love, READY TO SERVE,
Christine Ellis
Founder and Trustee
The Bridge for Community Services

Testimonials

"While I was at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) I came across a group that gathered every Sunday morning. Within a couple months I started attending the church service and it soon became my favorite place to go. I looked forward to every Sunday morning.

Kat was very helpful with providing me with beds and other services once I received housing. Anytime I needed something I would contact her and she got right on it and got things done. So far, I've been helped with 2 beds with bedding, a nightstand, a TV and a bunch of books.

I'm very grateful for all Kat and others associated with this organization. I don't know what I would have done otherwise since I have no family.

Thank you to The Bridge FCS for meeting the needs of those less fortunate.

Grateful,
Dan D"