Building Hope Center fills critical need after Key Bridge collapse March 25, 2025By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Bridge Collapse, Feature, Local News, News En Español Guadalupe Espino Molina has often wondered: If the Francis Scott Key Bridge hadn’t collapsed, would the Building Hope Center Dundalk even exist? As the nonprofit’s case manager, she always comes back to one answer: Yes. “There was a need even before the bridge collapse,” Molina said. “But after the collapse, that need grew even greater.” Catholic Charities opened the Building Hope Center in Dundalk in response to the long-term impact of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March 2024 on the local community. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff) In September, Building Hope Center Dundalk opened its doors as a partnership between three Catholic Charities programs: the Esperanza Center, Our Daily Bread Employment Center and the Villa Maria Behavioral Health Clinic. The center provides a range of services in one location. Serving Dundalk, Essex and the surrounding areas, the center helps a community that became even more isolated after the bridge collapse, Molina explained. All services are provided free of charge. One standout feature of the center is its on-site bilingual services, offering a Spanish interpreter every day. However, Molina emphasized that the center is open to all. “Lots of different cultures walk through our doors,” Molina said. “We’re not just here for the Spanish community. We’re here for everyone.” In today’s political climate, Molina said clients know the center is “a safe place” to access needed services. “We have a good rapport with our clients, a strong connection,” Molina said. Jose Carballo raises his hat in memory of fellow El Salvadorians who were killed in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, as the candlelight procession makes one of six stops for the fallen crew April 8, 2024, following a prayer service at Sacred Heart of Jesus-Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in Highlandtown. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff) The center also accepts clothing donations, including baby and maternity clothes, for its Building Hope Closet. Since opening in September with just nine clients, the center had served 206 clients by the end of February. Molina expects that number to reach 260 by the end of March. While the center offers services such as job preparation and English language training, Molina said the most urgent need right now is mental health care, especially for those without insurance. A therapist is on-site. “We are counselors,” Molina said of her staff. “We guide people, offer information and provide tools they can use.” Before leaving, every client is assessed for factors such as employment, income and mental health to ensure they get the support they need. “It’s important,” Molina said. “We want to make a difference.” Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org Read More Bridge Collapse Lasting impact: Unthinkable tragedy unites community in prayer and service after Key Bridge collapse Uncertain future for some Dali crew members a year after Key Bridge collapse Catholic community provides ongoing support to families of loved ones lost in Key Bridge collapse Building Hope Center opens, offering support in Dundalk Catholic Charities will open bilingual center in Dundalk to support those affected by Key Bridge collapse ‘The Bridge is love’ Copyright © 2025 Catholic Review Media Print
Catholic Charities will open bilingual center in Dundalk to support those affected by Key Bridge collapse
