Who we are
About Bridges to Hope
Building Hope. Restoring Lives. Creating Pathways Home. — We are a nonprofit organization in Lake County, Indiana, developing the programs and infrastructure needed to address homelessness with dignity and compassion.
Our mission
Dignity is not a privilege. It's a right.
Bridges to Hope exists to provide immediate safety and long-term stability to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Lake County, Indiana. We believe that every person — regardless of their circumstances — deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and care.
We are actively developing the programs, partnerships, and facilities needed to make that belief a reality. Our work is grounded in community, guided by dignity, and driven by the conviction that lasting change is possible.
Dignity
We treat every person as a full human being — worthy of respect, care, and a path forward.
Compassion
We lead with empathy. We listen first, judge never, and meet people exactly where they are.
Community
We believe homelessness is a community problem that requires a community solution. We don't work alone.
Accountability
We are responsible stewards of the trust and resources our donors, volunteers, and community place in us.
Our story
How we got here
Bridges to Hope was founded with one purpose: to provide more than temporary shelter- we strive to restore dignity, stability, and hope. Our vision is to create a welcoming environment where individuals and families experiencing homelessness receive compassionate care, access to critical resources, life-skills development, and personalized support as they rebuild their lives.
We are in the early and vital stages of building an organization that will serve our neighbors for generations. Every partnership formed, every dollar raised, and every volunteer hour contributed brings us closer to opening our doors.
Bridges to Hope founded; nonprofit status established
Community needs assessment completed; strategic plan developed
Key community partnerships formed; volunteer program launched
Facility planning and capital campaign initiated
Programs in active development; community outreach expanding
Shelter facility opens — serving individuals and families in Lake County
Our story is still being written
Stay tuned as our story unfolds
This is just the beginning. As Bridges to Hope grows — securing our facility, launching programs, forming partnerships, and opening our doors — we will share every milestone here. Return to this page to follow our progress, see the data that demonstrates our impact, and witness firsthand what it looks like when a community comes together to build something that lasts.
Our team
The people behind the mission
Our leadership team brings experience in nonprofit management, social services, and community advocacy — guiding Bridges to Hope through its development phase and toward future service.
Melinda Humphrey
Executive Director
Melinda Humphrey serves as Executive Director of Bridges to Hope, providing leadership and strategic direction as the organization builds its foundation for service. With more than 20 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and vulnerable populations, she brings a strong commitment to advocacy, dignity, independence, and person-centered support.
As Executive Director, Melinda leads organizational development, community engagement, partnership building, and the advancement of Bridges to Hope's future shelter and supportive-service initiatives. Her vision is to create an organization that provides more than temporary assistance — connecting individuals and families with the resources, opportunities, and support needed to move toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Felicia Richardson
Director of Programs
Felicia serves as Director of Programs for Bridges to Hope, helping transform the organization's mission into thoughtful, effective programs designed to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
In her role, she supports program planning, service development, community-resource coordination, and implementation readiness. As Bridges to Hope develops its future shelter, Rapid Re-Housing, Foster Youth to Independence partnerships, Older Youth Initiatives, and wrap-around supportive services, Felicia will help ensure programs remain focused on dignity, stability, empowerment, and meaningful outcomes.
Photo Coming soon
Marquell Walker
Community outreach coordinator
Marquell serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Bridges to Hope helping the development of its community outreach capacity as we prepare for future services. She helps strengthen relationships with community organizations, service providers, faith-based organizations, businesses, volunteers, and other stakeholders committed to addressing homelessness and housing instability.
As the Community Outreach Coordinator, she supports community engagement, outreach initiatives, volunteer involvement, resource development, and partnership-building efforts that advance the Bridges to Hope mission.
Our Leadership Is Growing
As Bridges to Hope moves toward program implementation, our team will grow to include professionals and community partners whose experience supports safe, compassionate, and effective service delivery.
Community Engagement & Collaborative planning
We can't do this alone
Bridges to Hope recognizes that meaningful progress in addressing homelessness requires collaboration.
As part of our organizational development, our leadership is participating in Continuum of Care (CoC) meetings to strengthen our understanding of community housing needs, available resources, coordinated services approaches, and opportunities for collaboration.
Through continued engagement with community stakeholders, Bridges to Hope is working to develop responsible, sustainable programs that complement existing efforts to address homelessness and housing instability.
Our goal is to become a valuable contributor to the local network of organizations working to improve housing stability and community well-being.
We are currently exploring partnerships with:
Community Organizations
Legal Services
Housing Authorities & Landlords
Public Libraries
Child Welfare/ Social Services
Department of Workforce Development
Hospitals
Schools