Bridge Meadows

Bridge Meadows is a pioneering community initiative founded in 2004 with a mission to bring different generations together to foster health and well-being. The company's slogan "Building communities. Bridging generations. Flourishing together." succinctly captures its goals. By offering affordable housing to children who have been in the foster care system, along with their adoptive families, and elders who act as mentors, Bridge Meadows aims to create a supportive and interdependent environment. Situated in North Portland, the company stands as the first intentional, intergenerational housing community of its kind in the region and the first in the country in an urban setting. Bridge Meadows is dedicated to reshaping the face of the foster care system, particularly in Oregon, where more than 10,800 children are in the system awaiting adoption or a reunion with their birth parents. For these children, Bridge Meadows offers a source of hope and stability. The community provides a range of support services, including counseling, cultural activities, workshops, and support groups, to aid families throughout their adoption journey. Additionally, the presence of elders volunteering their time and energy further enriches the familial environment, fostering essential connections between families and grandparents. Elders at Bridge Meadows play a crucial role as surrogate grandparents and mentors, offering their skills and talents to engage with the children and families, mitigating the social isolation commonly experienced by aging adults. Through a comprehensive "whole community" approach, Bridge Meadows leverages the power of place, permanence, and shared social purpose to enhance housing stability, health resources, educational attainment, and community connections for all residents. This innovative model addresses key societal challenges and offers a holistic solution to nurture a thriving and interconnected community.