Bridge House
The Schuylkill County Bridge House Program is a transitional housing service located on the grounds of the Pottsville Housing Authority at Laurel Terrace, Pottsville, PA. Bridge House provides comprehensive services to persons facing long-term homelessness and provides a supportive, safe environment for adults and children.
Prospective residents undergo a thorough screening process prior to enrolling the Bridge House Program. Once enrolled, clients receive goal-oriented services designed to improve their self-sufficiency. Active involvement by program participants in goal planning and implementation helps promote the goals of the program.
Bridge House contains twelve apartments, each with a private bathroom, living room, kitchenette, and closet. It’s a safe and secure environment that’s free of abuse, drugs, and alcohol. Guests remain at Bridge House from three to twelve months.
Offered Support Services at Bridge House
Ongoing case management services, supplemented by support services, are provided for every guest at Bridge House. These services are offered by various agencies or by staff.
Some of these services include:
Adult Personal Programming
Includes Life Skills, Parenting, Career Development Skills, Adult Education/Literacy Training, and Group/Individual Counseling.
Child Programming
Includes Bridge Kids, Head Start, Early Intervention, and Infant Stimulation.
Assistance Obtaining Permanent Housing
Clothing Assistance
Food Assistance
Community Volunteer Program
Incentive Program
Eligibility
- All applicants must be Schuylkill County residents.
- Applicants must be in need of permanent housing.
- Applicants must be below 125% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
- Applicants must be assessed by a human service agency and referred to the Bridge Housing program by the same agency.
- Any and all residents of the Bridge House must abstain from all uses of drugs and alcohol.
Referral Process
Referrals are accepted from Human Service Agencies by the staff at Bridge House. Personal interviews are scheduled with the Director of Program Services. Upon completion of the intake information, the Director of Program Services will recommend prospective guests to the Bridge House Screening Committee, who will make the decision on the prospective guest’s admission.
The Bridge House Program provides a stable drug and alcohol free living environment for victims of domestic violence, persons with low income, and individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. This program provides a comprehensive application of services to assist individuals to become self-sufficient.
The supportive environment enables clients to develop financial, emotional and physical independence. Bridge House staff offer assistance for guests and their families in finding permanent housing.
How to Apply
Clients who are interested in applying in the Schuylkill County Bridge House Program must read through the Client Manual complete a referral/verification form and submit it to SCA. Clients must be referred by an agency in which they are participating. Please also note that clients that are on the Bridge House waiting list must also apply to the Pottsville Housing Authority. You may apply to PHA by following this link.
After filling out the Referral and Verification form, please email it to jslifka@schuylkillcommunityaction.com, or mail it to the following address:
Jennifer Slifka
Schuylkill Community Action
Attn: Bridge House Referral and Verification Form Submission
225 North Centre St
Pottsville, PA 17901
SCA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
We are firmly committed to the provision of assistance regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, military status, sexual orientation, or marital/family status.