Summary
Dr. Hannah Studer reflects on the work happening across Bridges to Change as the organization enters a new fiscal year, from expanding low-barrier housing to opening a larger Washington County office. She also recognizes BTC staff and shares how community members can support participants through donations of essential items.
Moving Forward Together
As we enter a new fiscal year, I’m always reminded of how much work happens behind the scenes during the summer. While our programs continue serving people every day, our teams are also planning, evaluating, budgeting, adapting, and preparing for what’s ahead. This season is an important opportunity to pause, look at where we are, and think intentionally about what’s next.
This year, that planning feels especially important for our staff and Board of Directors. We’re navigating changes in funding and preparing for shifts in OHP eligibility across Oregon in 2027. There is still a lot we don’t know about what these changes will mean, but what we do know is that BTC will continue to adapt and show up for the people in our communities. We will keep looking for creative and sustainable ways to make sure there is access to housing, recovery support, and behavioral health care–that’s tailored to specific goals, hopes, and dreams.
One of the things I’m proud of right now is our continued focus on increasing access to low-barrier housing. For someone coming directly off the streets, getting through the front door of a new home is a tremendous milestone–but it’s only the beginning. A warm bed, clean towels, hygiene supplies, and other necessities can make that transition feel even more welcoming.
We’re also excited to begin settling into our new Washington County office. Moving into this expanded space is an important step for BTC and our work in the Hillsboro area. It gives our teams more room to connect with the people we serve and strengthens our ability to be present in the community.
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- Goal setting for the year
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- BTC All Staff
And perhaps one of the most important updates: we’ve made time to be together as a united team. At our annual All-Staff Meeting, I had the privilege of gathering with the incredible teams across BTC. We celebrated our work, had much-needed time to connect, and recognized 14 team members with awards to celebrate how they live our values every day. These moments are a powerful reminder that while our work involves systems, programs, funding, and services, it is ultimately about people.
This work matters, and we matter to this work.
There is a lot ahead. So much of it is exciting, some of it is uncertain, and all of it will require us to continue learning and adapting. I feel incredibly grateful to be doing this work alongside a team that continues to show up with compassion, creativity, and commitment.
As we move into this new fiscal year, I’m looking forward to what we can build together. Bridges to Change is excited to continue creating more opportunities for people to find health, housing, recovery, and a path forward.