Our Story
A bridge, not a cliff
Every year in Oregon, hundreds of young people “age out” of foster care—turning 18 and suddenly finding themselves on their own. No home. No safety net. No guidance for what comes next.
For many, it means couch-surfing, sleeping in cars, or living on the streets. In fact, 38% of Oregon’s former foster youth experience homelessness within a year of leaving care. Bridgetown1821 was created to change that story.
We named our organization after Portland—the City of Bridges—and the crucial ages between 18 and 21, when youth need support the most. Together, those numbers and that city spirit form our name: Bridgetown1821.
Our tagline, “More rose, less thorn,” draws from Portland’s symbol—the rose. It reminds us that compassion, opportunity, and belonging should always outnumber hardship, neglect, and bureaucracy.
Bridgetown1821 was founded by Robert Simril, a Portland resident who saw the same pattern repeating: youth leaving the foster care system without stable homes, community ties, or mentors. He believed there had to be a better way—one rooted in care, not red tape.
What started as an idea—a bridge between foster care and adulthood—has become a growing movement. Our nonprofit partners with families, agencies, and donors to keep youth in trusted homes longer, fund their transition to independence, and ensure no young adult is left behind.
A Letter from the Founder
Folks,
While running for Portland City Council, I learned a staggering truth: 40% of youth exiting foster care become homeless. That number stuck with me—not just as a statistic, but as a call to action. These young people, full of promise, are often left without support at the exact moment they need it most.
That’s why I founded Bridgetown 1821.
We provide housing and mentorship by partnering with current families, creating continuity and stability during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions. Our goal is to give youth aged 18–21 the time to learn and the guidance to grow. This isn’t just about preventing homelessness—it’s about building futures.
The cost of doing nothing is staggering. Homelessness alone costs communities an average of $12,800 per person per year in emergency services, healthcare, and law enforcement. Addiction compounds the crisis, costing the U.S. economy over $740 billion annually in healthcare, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses. These aren’t just numbers—they represent lives derailed and communities strained.
At Bridgetown 1821, we believe in a better way. Every $18,000 donation directly supports one youth for an entire year. That’s a year of safety, mentorship, and opportunity—when it matters most.
Bridgetown 1821 is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and your donation is tax-deductible—meaning your generosity not only changes lives, it can also reduce your taxable income.
This mission is personal. It’s about rewriting the story for youth who’ve already faced too much uncertainty. Thank you for believing in them—and in us.
Join us in building a bridge to stability.
Visit www.bridgetown1821.org to learn more, get involved, or make a year-end donation today.
Warmly,
Robert Simril
Founder, Bridgetown1821.org