Meet our new neighbor! Mr. Bridewell is a Marine veteran and single father of two young children. He enjoys going to down to Barton Springs, playing cards, and swimming.
The Road to Front Steps
Mr. Bridewell received the devastating letter that informed him of his eviction. With nowhere to turn, he sought support from Front Steps, a decision that would lead him toward a fresh start. Following their eviction, Mr. Bridewell and his children faced difficult conditions. “It was pouring, it was cold,” he recalls. “We were lucky that Vivant Health put us in a hotel for the first two weeks. But there’s not much you can do until you’re actually homeless.” Knowing there were services available in Austin, he reached out to local organizations for help. Initially, Sunrise Church connected him to Front Steps, where he entered the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.
From that moment, everything changed. “It was a really nice, pleasant, respectful experience,” he says of his first interactions with the team.
A New Beginning
The moment Mr. Bridewell learned that his family had secured a new apartment was a turning point. “That was definitely the pinnacle moment,” he says, reflecting on the relief and gratitude he felt. Now, with a place to call home, he can focus on what truly matters—his children’s future.
One of the greatest joys in his journey has been the ability for his kids to continue attending their school, which he describes as “top-notch, with a really supportive community.” During their toughest times, the local community rallied around them. Parents from the school organized a fundraiser, offered childcare assistance, and provided emotional support. “That’s really the biggest obstacle right there, right? Childcare,” he shares. “We got really lucky that we qualified for CCS, and groups like Austin Angels continued to be there for us.”
Why Support Matters
For Mr. Bridewell, the importance of organizations like Front Steps extends far beyond housing—it’s about ensuring people’s basic needs are met so they can rebuild their lives. He believes community support is essential, not just for those experiencing homelessness but for the well-being of society as a whole. “What helps reduce crime is when people have shelter. When a person’s basic needs are met, they are less likely to be stealing stuff out of your yard,” he explains.
Because of supporters like you, families like Mr. Bridewell’s don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Front Steps remains committed to helping individuals and families find stability, dignity, and hope. Join us in this transformative work. Your support makes it possible for people like Mr. Bridewell to regain their footing and build a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
Your support matters.