Basics
Explore these frequently asked questions (FAQs) to better understand the Bridge Meadows model, resident qualifications, financing, and more. Have more questions? Visit us over on the Contact page.
How do people find out about Bridge Meadows?
Families in need of supportive housing must be referred to Bridge Meadows by the Oregon Department of Human Services or their case manager. Families agree to provide permanence to two or more children (typically siblings) and are in the process of achieving permanency before arriving at Bridge Meadows.
Elders (a term we use to convey honor and respect to those 55 and older) come to us from a variety of sources and referrals. Faith groups, family members, senior service organizations, online research, and word of mouth are just some of the ways that elders find us. Some elders have come as far away as Colorado, Arizona, New York, and California, and some as close as down the street.
Where did the idea for Bridge Meadows come from?
Great question! Intergenerational living has been the norm for many cultures around the world for centuries. In fact, a 2019 United Nations report of 137 countries found that living with a grown child or other family member was the most common living arrangement for older adults in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
In 2004, inspired by the book Hope Meadows by Wes Smith, a group of nonprofit and mental health professionals passionate about helping foster youth sought to explore the possibility of building an intergenerational community in Portland, Oregon. After meeting with Dr. Brenda Eheart, founder and leader of Hope Meadows and Generations of Hope Development Corporation (GHDC), the soon-to-form Bridge Meadows leadership team adopted GHDC’s philosophies and principles and began planning an urban community in North Portland.
Since its founding in 2005, Bridge Meadows has expanded upon the old philosophies of intergenerational living and the principles of GHDC to include intentional, trauma-informed architectural designs that heal individuals in the community.
Is Bridge Meadows foster care?
Yes and no. Families taking children out of the foster care system sometimes become legal guardians, and others continue fostering with a commitment to permanency (e.g. the children will remain with the same family). Other families start the process of adoption immediately or have completed the process prior to moving into Bridge Meadows. We work closely with ODHS to best meet the needs of every child and family, as each one is a bit different.
I love kids! Can I live at Bridge Meadows if I haven’t adopted kids and am not an elder?
We love your enthusiasm! At this time, our communities are only for families raising children who have been impacted by the foster care system, and adults 55+. If you want to learn more about intergenerational programs and living models around the country, check out
Generations United’s Intergenerational Program Database.
Do people pay rent at Bridge Meadows?
Yes, everyone pays rent. We are affordable housing.
How long can people live at Bridge Meadows? Is there a term limit?
No! Bridge Meadows is not temporary or transitional housing. Permanency for youth impacted by foster care is a core component of our mission. Permanent housing means that, although people pay rent, the rent is affordable and people typically stay for many years. Once youth grow up and leave home, parents are invited and encouraged to apply for an elder unit if they so choose. In this way, we keep family homes available for new families in need of housing.
Is this communal living? Or is it like co-housing?
Every community member has their own apartment or townhome, as well as full use of activity spaces, community rooms, courtyards, and other areas in the community. We are not a co-housing organization. Bridge Meadows is affordable housing intentionally created to support children impacted by foster care.
Do the elders adopt children, too?
No. However, many parents at Bridge Meadows are grandparents or older relatives of the youth they’re raising. These parents live in family townhomes, however, rather than an elder apartment.
Resident Qualifications
What are the requirements to live at Bridge Meadows?
To learn more about requirements and how to apply, visit our About Us page.
Do I have to have a certain income to live at Bridge Meadows?
Yes. To learn more about income requirements, contact our Property Management Teams at the About Us link above.
Programs & Services
Are there 24/7 resident services onsite?
No. Bridge Meadows is independent living.
Our onsite therapeutic staff (Community Support Specialists – CSS) support residents onsite during regular business hours, working to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. We encourage community members to build relationships and look out for each other, which creates a safety net and fosters strong bonds.
Are you an assisted living facility?
No, we are independent living.
What if an elder needs more care than you provide?
The beauty of community is that people look out for each other. Most elders at Bridge Meadows age in place independently with the help of neighbors and our Community Support Specialists (CSS). Our CSS staff team members also build partnerships with other local service providers, including assisted living or memory care facilities. For elders in need of extra care, we work with them and their families to determine the best option that meets the needs of the elder.
Financing
How do you fund new communities?
Bridge Meadows is all about public-private partnerships. We fund new projects with a combination of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), government support, and money raised from foundations, businesses, and individual donors.
Do you receive funding from the government or the state to provide services?
Yes. In addition to tax credits, Bridge Meadows receives funding from the Oregon Department of Human Services.
I want to live at Bridge Meadows but I don’t qualify financially! Do you have any plans for market-rate apartments?
Yes! We are exploring the possibility of market-rate units in future communities. Sign up for our newsletters and stay tuned for details.
How do you decide where to build new communities?
We use a five-stage due diligence process to assess the feasibility of a new community. This process includes evaluating the local need for affordable housing, foster care solutions, and elder supports; civic leader and political support; and fundraising viability. We are often approached by civic leaders and nonprofits who want to bring Bridge Meadows to their region. Unfortunately, not every site is a fit.
I’m interested in creating a Bridge Meadows community in my region. Are you available for consultation?
Due to our small staff and ongoing expansion, we are currently unable to take on larger consultation projects. However, we are always happy to share resources, answer quick questions, or give tours. Drop us a line on the Contact Us page.
Visiting Bridge Meadows
Can I tour an elder apartment or family townhome?
Can I tour a Bridge Meadows community?
Yes! Although we cannot provide tours of the inside of homes, we love giving tours of the community. To schedule your site visit, contact us at info@bridgemeadows.org or 503-953-1100.
