Bridges Runs

The Bridges Run is an opportunity for a group of trained volunteers, along with Bridges’ staff, to go directly to the streets and shelters to meet homeless men, women and children.

On a typical Bridges Run, our truck is loaded with fresh, ready-to-eat meals in bags, sustainable lunches (long shelf life provisions), and soup, among other items of necessity, for those living on the street or in dire need. Our volunteers share conversation and bridge the gap between the housed and homeless.

PLAN YOUR RUN:

>>Sign Up for a Run June 2020-June 2021<<

  1. If you are new to Bridges, please register your Group at volunteer@bridgesoutreach.org. It may take up to 2 business days for your account to be ACTIVATED, at which time you may sign up for a Run.
    If you would like to join a Run as an individual, please contact volunteer@bridgesoutreach.org.
    Please note: All run volunteers must be at least high school age.
  2. Sign up for a Run.
  3. Sign waiver.  Each volunteer must sign the on-line waiver of liability form. ALL RUN VOLUNTEERS MUST BE AT LEAST HIGH SCHOOL AGE.
    Minor Waiver
    Adult Waiver
  4. Run Procedures and Safety Tips
  5. Prepare lunches (click here for guidelines)
  6. Download directions.  Please note that the GPS links are through Google Maps. Other map applications, such as Apple Maps, may not display correctly.

RUN Schedule and Locations

Click Here to Download the Schedule and Directions

DayLocationLocation NameAddressGoogle Maps LinkDeparture from SummitArrival at DestinationEstimated arrival back to Summit
WednesdayNYCManhattan Penn Station214 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001 (between 7th and 8th Avenue)Manhattan Google Map Link6 pm7-7:30 pm8:30-9 pm
ThursdayNYCUrban Renewal224 Sussex Ave, Newark, NJ 07103Urban Renewal Google Map Link6 pm6:30 pm7:30-8 pm
FridayNYCStaten Island Ferry Terminal11 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013Staten Island Ferry Terminal6:15 pm7-7:30 PM9 pm
SaturdayNewarkBlake House at St. James Social Services604 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102Blake House Google Map Link10:15 am10:45 am1 pm
SaturdayNewarkUrban Renewal224 Sussex Ave, Newark, NJ 07103Urban Renewal Google Map Link2nd stop.11:30 am1 pm
SaturdayNewarkHarmony House278 S Orange Ave # 282, Newark, NJ 07103Harmony House Google Map LinkOnly 3rd Saturday of the monthOnly 3rd Saturday of the month1 pm
SundayIrvingtonIrvington Civic Square1970 Civic Square, Irvington, NJ 07111Irvington Civic Square Google Map Link10 am10:30-10:45 am

12:30 pm

CORE VOLUNTEERS:

Core Volunteers make a commitment to participate in a Bridges Run at least once a month.  They are the first to arrive at a Run site and talk to the people waiting there.  They reassure the waiting people that the Bridges truck and a team of volunteers will arrive shortly with food and necessities.  The Core Volunteers have become an integral part of our Runs and have truly become friends with the homeless people we meet.  They provide continuity and have time to continue their conversations from week to week.

Core volunteers are not required to bring brown bag meals.  They sometimes ride in the Bridges van, but may be asked to provide their own transportation to Run sites.

Contact the Manager of Operations at volunteer@bridgesoutreach.org if you would like to learn more about becoming a Core Volunteer.

GROUPS:

A Group of volunteers (houses of worship, corporations, families, neighbors or teams) makes a commitment to participate in a Run of their choice. They sign up in advance and are responsible for providing volunteers and brown bag lunches.

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS: 

Individual volunteers may join a Run when space permits.  As a volunteer, you will be asked to assist the Run Coordinator with various aspects of a Run, from distributing food and clothing to serving soup and beverages.  You may be asked to provide some lunches or your own transportation.  All Run volunteers must be at least high school age.  As always, friendly conversation with our homeless friends is encouraged; fellowship is as important as the food and necessities we distribute.

RUN TRAINING VIDEO: