The inscribed message—handwritten on the bottom of a donated kitchen table—imparted optimism to any household that received it. “A lot of laughs and love have been shared around this table. We wish the same for you and your family.”

This encouraging note embodies what Bridging’s mission is all about: furnishing homes with hope.

Located in Minnesota, this non-profit organization provides donated furniture and household goods to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. Leveraging the power of choice, Bridging offers a personalized shopping experience at its warehouse as recipients select the items that will go in their new homes.

Clients are referred to Bridging through a network of nearly 240 social service partners and more than 2,200 referring caseworkers. Started in 1987 by Fran Heitzman, Bridging has impacted more than 100,000 households, and each year, Bridging continues to bring hope and stability to more than 14,000 people in need.

The AMETEK Foundation partners with Bridging to strengthen its work that empowers community members to thrive in their new homes. AMETEK has several locations in Minnesota, and it is especially important to support the communities where we live and work through partnerships such as the one between Bridging and the AMETEK Foundation.

The AMETEK Foundation was first introduced to Bridging through AMETEK’s Board member Tod Carpenter and his wife Bonnie.

“Bonnie and I got involved in Bridging over a decade ago. It’s such a simple and powerful concept—instead of discarding a usable household item, give it to someone who needs it,” said Tod Carpenter. “Fran started Bridging with this idea and a single baby crib. Our dear friend Fran has now passed, but his idea to touch hearts and to help people lives on. We are proud to help Fran’s legacy continue.”

There is a sustainability component to Bridging’s work as well. In fact, this year alone, about 13 million pounds of quality furniture and housewares were saved from landfills and used to turn a house into a home instead. If ever needed, volunteer craftspeople are available at Bridging’s warehouse to fix a wobbly table leg or to add a shelf to a bookcase.

It truly takes the support of the whole community to rally around this mission.

Bridging’s founder, Fran Heitzman, used to say, “When good people get together to do good things, then good things happen."