Bridge Communities celebrates 25 years of helping the homeless in DuPage

It all started rather simply.

Mark Milligan and Bob Wahlgren set out to help one homeless family by renting an apartment until they could get back on their feet.

That single selfless act was the first step on a journey that has continued for a quarter-century and helped hundreds of families out of homelessness through the organization the men founded, Bridge Communities.

The organization’s Silver Jubilee will celebrate 25 years of providing homes and hope to homeless families in DuPage County. Volunteers and supporters will gather from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at the Esplanade, 3500 Lacey Road, Downers Grove.

The event features dinner, cocktails, dessert and a short program reflecting on Bridge Community’s first 25 years. Live music will be provided by Local Favorite.

“Twenty-five years ago, we simply set out to help a homeless family,” Milligan said. “At that time, we didn’t dream of growing to this capacity, but I sure am glad we did. This is quite a year of celebration for Bridge, and rightly so.

“Since we started back in 1988, we’ve helped 588 families cross that bridge from homelessness to better lives. And 25 years from now, I want to be wheeled across the stage to celebrate what we’ve accomplished.”

Bridge Communities’ Silver Jubilee will be an evening of reflection and projection: looking back on 25 years of accomplishments by clients, volunteers, leaders and staff, and looking forward to envision the future of how Bridge Communities will grow to serve even more homeless families in DuPage County.

A live auction features a Chicago sports ticket package, private chef’s dinner, a two-case wine cellar starter of California and French reds, and a Florida vacation package. Guests also will have the opportunity to win a silver cuff bracelet valued at $500 and will receive a commemorative gift at the end of the evening.

Tickets, $75, are available at bridgecommunities.org/News-events/Calendar/Silver-Jubilee-tickets.html.

Bridge Communities, a grass-roots, nonprofit organization, is committed to transforming the lives of homeless families in DuPage County through partnering with individuals and groups in the community.

Its program of transitional housing, mentoring and supportive services empowers the families to increase life skills and earning power to promote self-sufficiency, sustain permanent housing, and to break the cycle of poverty within the family unit.

To learn more about how to support Bridge Communities, call Milligan at (630) 545-0610, ext. 10, or visit bridgecommunities.org.