SOUTH KNOXVILLE — Bryant's Bridge in South Knoxville recently launched an official after-care program intended for its former residents. The organization provides transitional housing for LGBTQ+ individuals aged 17 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness.
Sean Bryant founded Bryant's Bridge, which has operated for five years. Bryant experienced homelessness during his youth. The program has housed nearly 20 residents during its first five years of operation. The facility maintains a maximum housing capacity of six residents at a time.
The newly established after-care program aims to support past residents. Bryant said the goal is to prevent former residents from returning to homelessness, stating, "We built in an after-care program, an official after-care program. So, we can help past residents who either fall or have a need, so we don't end up with them being homeless again."
In addition to the housing, Bryant's Bridge recently received a donated vehicle to transport residents. Former residents of the organization have also secured employment and have published books. Bryant said, "The most important thing that we're doing is building community. A little bit at a time. I don't know that I understood the importance of that when I started Bryant's Bridge, but those guys are like a family."