Have you imagined what it’s like to neighbor a family facing homelessness?
June 18, 2025
(photo above from left to right) Tom Williams, Ty Williams, Jean and Jim O’Neil
Recently, three Neighboring Volunteers shared their experiences serving with Bridge of Hope.
Jean and Jim O’Neil attend St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and have neighbored families twice. One of those times, Jean, a retired high school teacher, coincidentally taught the mom of the neighboring family when she was in school. Through this relationship, Jean was able to help the whole group connect.
Jean is known to be very involved and caring. She has helped moms look for new jobs, including asking her friends and using her social capital.
A powerful moment for Jean was when she visited a mom one day, after she moved into her new home, and saw that sleeping bags were everywhere. The mom said, “This is the first time my kids have been able to have a sleepover.” Both Jean and Jim noted that the training for Neighboring Volunteers provided by Bridge of Hope was very helpful in preparing them to serve.
Tom Williams attends Beulah Baptist Church and has neighbored families three times. Tom loves the Bridge of Hope vision and model. “We are called to be active in the community… to be the hands and feet of Christ to help bridge the gap,” he said.
Tom said he witnessed miraculous things while serving. Like the time his brother, who is a locksmith, learned about available housing through a realtor friend. The neighboring family ended up moving into that house!
“We serve a great God and Bridge of Hope has taught me to look at areas I would normally be quick to glance over – helping me to focus and be aware,” Tom said.
If you’re interested in forming a support system for a family in need, we invite you to gather a group from your church or Christian faith community! To learn more about how you can Neighbor a Bridge of Hope family, contact Ty Williams at tyronew@bridgeofhopeinc.org.
 |  |
| Rachel Thomas Steadman | Ty Williams |
| Program Director | Church Engagement Director |
| rachelts@bridgeofhopeinc.org | tyronew@bridgeofhopeinc.org |
Program Needs:
Do you know a family facing homelessness in your community? We have an opening in our program for a family in Elverson and one in Oxford.
Have you heard about the Making Room Campaign?
You can MAKE ROOM for more families to end homelessness!
