The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center — Mental health service in Dallas, TX

I'm struggling to find the words to articulate my experience with this abysmal and inhumane organization. I was walking in downtown Dallas when I came across a disabled gentleman who had lost his glasses and while he could make out light and shapes, he was not going to be able to find his way to the shelter by himself. So I offered to help him. It took us about an hour and a half to get there on foot. And his legs gave out about a block and a half from the shelter. So I went there alone to plead for a wheelchair or someone to come help me get this man to the shelter. The dismissive, rude, and condescending attitude that I got took my breath clean away. The woman mentioned that she was going to get a safety officer which left me flummoxed with what to do. As I left I came across some volunteers in the parking lot and explained the predicament hoping that maybe they would help but they must have been new because the deer in the headlights look that I got indicated that they weren't going to be much help either. That's when the first person I dealt with showed up to scold me that she had just contacted the safety officer. Another reviewer had mentioned that the people who work here act more like prison guards than caregivers & that really exemplifies my experience today. I will be forever haunted by the memory of desperately pleading for help from people who just stood there staring in a cold cruel silence. As I walked away sobbing the safety officer showed up empty-handed. We walked across the street where the homeless gentleman was splayed on the concrete and the safety officer helped him up but offered no assistance to get him to the shelter. He fully expected this man whose legs had given out to just walk. The ableism was enraging. I'm still vibrating with anger which was made even more intense because the officer spent the entire walk on the phone with his wife talking about their new patio. The two volunteers that I had previously asked for help showed up with a canister of water and gave the gentleman a few sips but then left after less than a minute and took the canister with them. We had been walking for an hour and a half. We needed help. We needed water. We needed kindness. We needed compassion. But we didn't even rate the barest of minimums. When we finally got to the intake area they weren't doing it yet. So this frail lonely man was forced to sit outside & wait. I've lived downtown for years. I'm very familiar with the work at The Bridge and am keenly aware of the overwhelming challenges that come with homeless outreach & that the work comes with a certain level of compassion fatigue. But the experience today just felt like mindless heartless prison style bureaucracy. There is no hope, help or hearts here. Just suffering & sadness.

These people are horrible for answering the phone. Im in a pretty sticky situation and I'd like to call and get some more information about your facility but you wont even answer the phone? Do you people really want to help people ? Because if so then it doesn't seem like it.

The help you get your birth certificate. Social security card, Id

If you want to feel like a prisoner in jail. Then you're st the right place. if you have mail. You might get it in a timely fashion. Let's forget about getting mail order prescriptions. Don't bank on getting your prescriptions on time.

A female security guard was very rude and had the demeanor of a correctional officer. I understand you probably deal with a lot, but I did not appreciate the way that she spoke to my friend. It was impatient and rude. That atmosphere led me to believe that your heart is not in what you do.

I would actually give this 0 stars if I could. My wife and I tried going here for some shelter so we both could recuperate and rest. (We were referred by Our Calling.) We were both exhausted and drained. She was reading over the paperwork and had read about them going through your things at any given time. She placed the papers on the table and we both walked out. The security guard asked us if we got in and we both told him that we weren't signing up for prison.

Gave me an late pass when I began working for a return @ 2am, I made my return at 1:30am to be told my bed was lost because there was no record of the pass. Additionally, got a three month ban from the location because after losing my bed they would not return my belongings. Had to call the police 2 to have them give me my social security card which was sent there in the mail. It is my understanding that because I was recovering fast, gaining a job within the first month of being there, that they were using me to make an example out of. The idea being if I can receive punishment for just holding the facility to its own rules/putting in grievances that anyone can receive punishment for anything so make no complaints.

I think they are providing the most for homeless people. You can shower and wash your clothes and charge your phone and use the bathroom. Go to the doctor get transportation to and fro. This place is good for people who need help. If you are down on your luck you can come here but be aware that you will have to wait on lists wait in long lines and they do what they can to help meet your needs there is a safety team here for people who get rowdy. Beware there is a lot of people here who are mental So just stay calm be patient and keep your eyes and ears open because. You never know what you may run into here. If you are a sickly person be ware people are sick her coughing and just keep your mask tight. This place is not for everyone. They will take a dog no cats only if they have space in the kennel for them. So not everyone will get in here if they don’t have space for your animal. God Bless us all and I pray that he will meet your needs if you are experiencing homelessness. Just be patient trouble doesn’t last always. This is a temp situation and being positive will help you along the way. Bye now and be 😇 blessed. P.S. they do not allow kids. Try calling Family Gateway for that.

This place saved our lives..they gave us a safe place to stay while we got jobs,they fed us clothed us and even sent us to the dr..we both have jobs now and an apartment..this place was a God send for us..the staff is amazing and really cares..we came to dallas from tn..with only a hope and a prayer that we could change our circumstances and bc of the bridge we did just that..ty for all you did for us

Very beautiful and Caring place. I loved volunteering. I cannot wait to help again. The people are so thankful and friendly. Very humbling experience. A must do on your bucket list. I encourage everyone to go online an find the information and volunteer or contribute in any way possible. The serve 3 meals a day. It is only 1.5 hours and I loved my experience. I'm definitely volunteering on a regular basis. I poured water and visited with the guests. Loved it.