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.
Jessica’s Story
For Jessica, a single mother of two daughters aged 12 and 3, life was a careful balancing act. Juggling part-time work with classes at Point State Park University, she relied heavily on her car to keep her family connected to food, her employment, and education. When her only vehicle required expensive repairs, it affected all of these connections.
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Sonia’s Story
Sonia’s employer cut her hours without notice. While Sonia was assured that this was a temporary change, her employer provided no timeline for a return to full-time work. This sudden change set off a chain reaction in Sonia’s budget, forcing her to make difficult choices between essential needs.
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Olivia’s Story
Olivia’s decision aimed at helping them build savings for the future unexpectedly pushed her family to the brink of eviction. Her story underscores how quickly outside forces can change a family’s financial stability, even from unexpected places.
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Nia’s Story
Nia’s car broke down, a common enough occurrence but one that carried a hefty price tag. As the family grappled with this setback, tragedy struck. Nia’s father, living with her sister in Memphis, passed away. Travel and missed work for funeral arrangements meant that Nia, already behind on utility bills due to the auto repair, wasn’t able to catch back up.
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Amara’s Story
Amara, a mother who works as a delivery driver for both Uber and Walmart, found herself in a challenging situation when her car was improperly impounded after an accident. This incident set off a chain of events that threatened her family’s stability.
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Tanya’s Story
Tanya, a working mother, found herself in a difficult situation when her car needed urgent repairs in order to be safe to drive. In many parts of the United States where public transportation isn’t available, a functioning car isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for getting to work, buying groceries, and managing daily life.
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Marisa’s Story
Marisa, a mother fleeing domestic violence found her path to stable housing blocked by an unexpected utility deposit, despite securing assistance through a Rapid Rehousing Program.
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Maria’s Story
Maria, a young single mother of two, faced immense challenges in balancing full-time work and the financial strain of raising her children. With essentials like formula stretching her resources thin, Maria’s stress was palpable.
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