A Bridges’ Run

A "Run" is the visit we make to our street friends. At each Run stop, volunteers distribute clothing and toiletry items, serve soup and a beverage, and ensure that every street friend who visits the truck receives what they need. Most important, volunteers mingle with Bridges' street friends and share conversation. The bond established at this time has enduring value for both volunteers and street friends.

Our staff is responsible for scheduling and managing more than 160 Runs each year, reaching out to 500 to 700 homeless friends every week, many of whom we know by name.

Listening to our homeless friends, on our Runs and in between, keeps us rooted to their needs and concerns.

Signup

Signup to schedule a group Run, or to join an individual Run. Please note: groups (typically from schools, houses of worship, businesses or clubs) may signup for an OPEN group Run; individuals may signup for any OPEN individual Run.

Signup to make brown bag lunches, breakfast bags, and toiletry kits.

Where we go, who we meet

Manhattan:
Bridges has not missed a Friday night Run to New York City since the first Bridges Run 1988. In lower Manhattan, we usually make three stops: Centre Street, Brooklyn Bridge and Battery Park. In total, we meet about 300-400 homeless individuals, mostly men and some families at each visit.

Newark:
Runs to Newark began in 1996. On Saturday mornings, we partner with several ministries in Newark who will host an “inside” Run at their church. After that, we set up the Run near Penn Station. In parallel, a second volunteer group visits the Emergency Residence Shelter at the Newark Y, often engaging in activities with the children in the shelter.

Irvington:
Runs to Irvington began in 2002 and expanded in 2004. On Sunday mornings, with the assistance from the Township of Irvington, we set up the Run inside the Irvington Neighborhood Improvement Corporation. There we meet about 150-200 men, women and children.