Chaffee County has many caring organizations, helpful programs, and people who want to support their neighbors. Even with all these resources, many people still struggle to get help when they need it.

BRIDGE exists to change that.

BRIDGE helps people connect to people, not just websites or phone numbers. It makes sure no one has to face confusing systems alone, especially during hard times.

BRIDGE does not replace existing services.

It connects them.

It helps Chaffee County move from:

• Crisis response → early support

• Referrals → relationships

• Fragmentation → community care

We don’t send people to resources.

We send people to people.

When life gets hard, it can be very difficult to ask for help or figure out where to start.

Many people face barriers like:

• Stress or crisis

• Health issues

• Aging or care-giving

• Language or technology challenges

• Living far from services

• Trauma induced brain fog

• Time constraints

Often, people are given a list of resources and told to figure it out on their own. That doesn’t work when someone is overwhelmed, scared, or exhausted.

By the time help shows up in emergency rooms, eviction court, or law enforcement, the situation has already become much worse.

BRIDGE is built around one simple idea:

No wrong door for help.

Step 1: A Need Is Noticed

• A concern can come from anywhere:

• A resident asking for help

• A neighbor, teacher, or employer noticing something is wrong

• A nonprofit or agency that wants to help but can’t

• A regional partner seeing a problem coming

If someone raises a concern, BRIDGE listens.

Step 2: A BRIDGE Architect Helps

A BRIDGE Architect is a connector. They know the community, the people, and the systems.

They:

• Listen carefully

• Figure out what kind of help is needed

• Reach out to the right people or groups

• Make sure the person asking for help is treated with dignity

The Architect is not a gatekeeper, they are locksmiths. Their job is to make warm, human connections.

Step 3: Circles of Support Are Activated

BRIDGE works through circles, not hierarchies.

Some circles are ongoing, like:

• Basic needs (food, utilities)

• Housing

• Aging and senior support

• Health and behavioral health

• Youth and families

• Disability and inclusion

Other circles come together for specific issues, like:

• Seasonal rent problems

• Transportation disruptions

• Policy changes

• Disasters or emergencies

There are also geographic circles, focused on specific neighborhoods or housing areas.

Circles don’t meet all the time. They are ready when they are needed.

Step 4: Warm Connections Are Made

Instead of handing someone a phone number, BRIDGE helps make a warm handoff.

For example:

• Someone is worried about food and rent

• The Architect contacts people who know those systems

• Options are shared clearly

• The person chooses what works best for them

• A real introduction is made

The goal is to feel welcomed, not passed around.

Follow up is where community grows

For Residents

• Faster help

• Less confusion

• More dignity

• Fewer crises

• For Organizations

• Better coordination

• Less duplication

• Stronger relationships

For the County

• Earlier warning signs

• Better policy insight

• Lower long-term costs

• More trust with the community