Interview with Bridge of Hope Landlords
February 7, 2022
Why Bridge of Hope?
Available, affordable housing is a serious issue in our community. A stable housing situation is so essential to the mental, physical & spiritual health of a family. We’ve all relied on our communities when we’ve had rough spots, but not everyone has that support around them. Bridge of Hope provides a long-term, multi-pronged support system that stands in for this community and gives women the tools to be self-supporting & self-sufficient. Partnering with Bridge of Hope was a way that we could be part of addressing the affordable housing crisis in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
What does being a Bridge of Hope Landlord Partner mean to you?
In partnering with Bridge of Hope, we feel like we can be part of the solution to homelessness in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County by providing a home to someone who may be challenged to find that on their own. The support Bridge of Hope offers the tenants is also helpful to us as landlords. It feels like a setup that benefits everyone.
What has your experience been like?
Working with Bridge of Hope has made being a landlord easier! We know the people selected for the program have a real need and will be supported in multiple ways by Bridge of Hope. We know the rent will be paid on time, we know the tenants are being provided with skills to make this a stable situation. Bridge of Hope acts as an intermediary if any issues arise and makes channels of communication easier. We know that the tenant is learning skills & practices to make their future stability a reality which makes being a landlord easier.
Which of the Bridge of Hope Landlord Benefits have you experienced?
We’ve appreciated knowing that the communication will be good between us, Bridge of Hope and the tenant. We appreciate having Bridge of Hope as a partner in helping us know how to address any issues that arise or questions we have. As a landlord, you know that you will have a stable tenant for up to two years, if not longer and that tenant will have the skills and resources to remain stable. It’s been a great experience for us.