Our Story: The Bridge to Hope

At 1n99 Ministries, our story began not with a grand plan, but with a simple, undeniable truth: the image and likeness of God is found in those afflicted with addiction, mental illness, the single mother who lost her job, the veteran who served his country, and the family whose dreams were shattered by a medical bill. It is the face of someone loved by God, just as we are.

My own journey instilled a profound understanding of this truth. I grew up with parents deeply involved in inner-city street preaching and Mission Teens and Teen Challenge. There were a couple times as a child when we were without a house and/or hungry as a result of spreading God’s message of mercy, but without fail, God always provided for us. That experience taught me early on about the power of the Holy Spririt, the reality of desperation meeting certainty of divine provision at times when we are literally living on a prayer.

Years later, while struggling in Chicago and feeling hopeless and lost, a brother in faith offered me a simple, yet life-saving, piece of advice: "If you want to get better, you need to help other people when all else fails." I started going under bridges in Chicago, feeding the homeless. Slowly, my heart, which had hardened over time, began to unfreeze. I became capable of caring about other people again, and found my own healing in serving others.

Upon moving to Denver, Colorado, I found a faith community at Calvary Church where many, but especially those who attended the "Most Excellent Way" program, gave of what little they had so that I could give meals, blankets, and clothing to the homeless outside of the Denver Rescue Mission (Where I witnessed miracles happen), and they welcomed me and my son like we were family.

Moving from Denver to Colorado Springs, I saw the same urgent need expanding all over El Paso County, and recognized how vibrant and capable the local faith communities and individuals were of meeting this challenge. We saw the gap between abundant resources and desperate need, and we felt the call to build a bridge—a direct, efficient, and immediate path from a generous heart to a life transformed.

1n99 Ministries is an organization dedicated to serving individuals and families in need in El Paso County. The organization was founded on the belief that all people, regardless of their circumstances, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Our inspiration came from witnessing the urgent need for support among those experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental illness, and other challenges. Recognizing the gap between available resources and the pressing needs of the community, The Bridge to Hope was established to serve as a direct and efficient channel for providing aid.

We work with local faith communities and other partners to mobilize resources and provide essential services such as hot meals, safe shelter, warm clothing, and critical support services. Beyond immediate relief, the organization is committed to offering pathways to stability and self-sufficiency through programs like job training, counseling, and housing assistance.

The organization's approach is rooted in the principle of putting faith into action, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most in a timely and impactful manner. By focusing on collaboration and efficient operations, The Bridge to Hope strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families, embodying hope and redemption within the community.