Our Case Stories
It is widely recognized that families’ ability to meet basic needs is the biggest determinant of their ability to lead full and healthy lives. But in many specific emergency situations, existing support structures either don’t cover or cannot act fast enough to cover an acute, unexpected financial need. Footbridge strategically supports only clients for whom our help will make a sustainable difference. Our flexible model complements existing supports, filling in gaps as the funder of last resort. Read our case stories to hear specific examples of how our approach makes a difference.
Christina’s Case Story
Christina* had planned for the sleepless nights of new motherhood—but not for the sleepless nights of an unexpected housing search.
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Lauren’s Case Story
The path to financial hardship often begins with ordinary life events that could affect any family. For Lauren, what began as a routine medical restriction following her C-section cascaded into a series of complications that demonstrated how quickly stable income and housing can become precarious.
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Katherine’s Story
A traumatic incident at school changed the trajectory of Katherine*’s son’s life, and with it, their family’s stability. The situation demanded Katherine’s full attention – court appearances, meetings with school officials, and supporting her son’s recovery consumed her days.
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Morgan’s Story
When Morgan*’s twelve-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in August, it coincided with a period of unemployment for her husband. The timing forced both parents to miss work, straining an already precarious financial situation.
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Rebecca’s Story
When Rebecca’s* child was born in March, what should have been a time of joy became a period of mounting uncertainty. Without paid maternity leave, she faced three months without income, disrupting the careful payment arrangement she had established with her landlord.
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Erica’s Story
When Erica’s* daughter needed multiple dental and medical procedures over the summer, the timing seemed ideal. Her daughter, who has Down syndrome, could recover without missing school. However, the sequence of necessary procedures – tooth extractions, ear tubes, a sleep study, and adenoid removal – required more time off work than Erica’s remaining paid leave could cover.
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Caryn’s Story
A house fire marked the beginning of a challenging period for Caryn and her family. While they continued living in their damaged home, fate dealt another blow – Caryn was struck by a car, leaving her temporarily unable to work.
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Astrid’s Story
For Astrid, a home health aide and single mother, the delicate balance of work and childcare rested on predictable daytime hours. This stability was upended when her client passed away and her employer could only offer overnight shifts – a schedule impossible to maintain without access to overnight childcare.
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