HomeBridge Ventures helps ex-offenders get a fresh start
David Stubbs, the founder of HomeBridge, said the organization provides several services including job training, mental health support and housing assistance.
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HomeBridge Ventures in Bridgeport has a hands-on approach when it comes to helping people coming home from prison find their way back into their community.
Tyrone Counts, 32, said the nonprofit runs a music program, as well as assists people with criminal convictions with getting everyday routines back. He said he’s making every moment count.
"Something I say to myself every morning [is] I got 24 hours to be great. I'm going to use every second,” said Counts.
David Stubbs, the founder of HomeBridge, said the organization provides several services including job training, mental health support and housing assistance.
"What we look to do here is to create a safe space where people can come, where they are seen, where they are cherished,” said Stubbs.
Counts also said HomeBridge has given him and other members of the organization a clear path forward.
"It lets us, as a group of men, know that somebody cares, somebody's concerned, somebody's here to talk to us,” said Counts.
"There's a lot of people that grew up in the system, but when they get out in the real world, they're clueless,” said Kai Duncan.
HomeBridge Director Ali Mujahid said their programs help people figure out what specific issues they’re facing to find solutions that will work for each individual.
Stubbs said the program is inspired by the work of Father Greg Boyle, who will be visiting the center this week. Boyle runs Homeboy Industries, a nonprofit organization, which also helps people move forward after prison.
Stubbs said HomeBoy and HomeBridge share common values.
“Unconditional love and radical kinship,” said Stubbs.
