OUR STORY

In 1987 Fran Heitzman, a former business owner and entrepreneur, was the custodian at Pax Christi Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. On a whim, a woman brought a crib to the church and asked Fran if it could be used in the children’s nursery.  Fran said no, but he was sure he could find a home for it. He then started making phone calls and found a social service agency that said they would be thrilled to receive the crib. That was the moment Bridging was born. Fran thought that if he could find a home for that crib, then he should be able to find a home for other furniture items – this idea could bridge the gap between those who have and those who have not. 

Since Fran founded Bridging in 1987, the organization has grown tremendously. To date, Bridging has served over 57,000 households and currently operates out of two locations – Bloomington and Roseville. Serving thousands of people in need every year, Bridging distributes over eight semi-truck loads of furniture and household goods every week. Bridging continues to accept quality, gently used items, and by doing so, also reduces landfill space by millions of pounds annually. 

The impact Bridging has made in the lives of local people in need, the environment, and its volunteers is monumental. Through support from individuals and businesses throughout the community, Bridging continues to bring hope and stability to thousands of local households in need.