BRIDGE

Chaffee County is full of folks and programs ready to lend a hand. We’ve got plenty of tools in the shed; we’re just making the trails a bit clearer so every neighbor knows the best way to get to them. 

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.

• We don't replace existing services, we connect them.

• 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

In a small town, you shouldn't have to call ten different numbers to find out who can help.

• A Need Is Noticed: 

  • A regular at the local diner mentioning they can’t pay their electric bill

  • A teacher noticing a kid's shoes are falling apart

  • A local shop owner seeing a neighbor struggle with their gait

• We Listen: Whether you ask for help yourself or a friend speaks up for you, BRIDGE doesn't turn anyone away. If there’s a problem, we pull up a chair and listen.

Step 2: A BRIDGE Builder Helps

A BRIDGE Builder knows 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

Bridge Builders are focused on clearing paths and creating a connected county where everyone can thrive.

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

• BRIDGE Builder 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