About Us

How did a church ministry grow in to the largest furniture bank in the United States?

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 piece of furniture 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 furniture.

That was the moment Bridging was born. Fran thought that if he could find a home for that piece of furniture, then he should be able to find a home for even more furniture – this idea could bridge the gap between those who have and those who have not.

Since 1987, the impact Bridging has made in the lives of local families in need, the environment, and its volunteer community is monumental. Each year, Bridging continues to bring hope and stability to more than 12,000 people.

View Bridging Timeline as PDF

U.S. Veteran Kelly Ann and Service Dog Dino Share the Importance of Bridging

  Click here to listen to Kelly Ann tell her story.     Kelly Ann is a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served during the late 1990s. Since that time, she has struggled and persevered through many challenges, buoyed by her own inner strength and the companionship of her...

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