What is Shenandoah Family Promise?

Building communities,Strengthening lives...

Family Promiseof Shenandoah County

What is Family Promise?

Family Promise is a community response for homeless families. It is

a nonprofit, inter-denominational organization for families in transition and part of a national organization

founded in 1986. The Family Promise Network Program brings shelter, meals, and support services to

families without homes through a network of local

congregations.

What is Family Promise?

In 2014:187 Family Promise Affiliates

Nationwide12,099 guests were served3,817 families were served7,070 children were served

76% of families secured housing

How Many People Are Homeless?

Statistics show that there are 2-3 million people that experience

homelessness every year in America. Forty percent of homeless families have

young children. Shenandoah County Public Schools identified 49 students as

homeless throughout the 2014-15 school year and 29 of them were still

homeless as of May 18th.

Our Goal

These families are deprived of a fundamental requirement for healthy development – a safe, permanent home. Our goal is to provide food and shelter to children and their families in order to secure permanent

housing as quickly as possible.

There are six pieces of the Family Promise Puzzle that must be secured and put

together.

1. Host Congregations

A network of thirteen congregations will host a maximum of five families and fourteen individuals about four times a year. Host Congregations

provide overnight lodging, breakfast, brown bag lunches, dinner, and

hospitality. Support volunteers will assist host congregations with these

duties.

2. VolunteersVolunteers are the heart of Family

Promise. Volunteers provide a variety of services such as cooking

and serving meals, playing with children or helping with

homework, interacting with guests with respect and compassion, and

providing overnight security.

3. Transportation

A 14-passenger van has been donated to Family Promise. This van will

transport families to and from the Family Center. This van will also carry bedding and luggage to the next Host

Congregation. Children attending school will be transported by the

Shenandoah County Public Schools bus system to his or her school of origin.

4. Cooperation With ExistingCommunity Agencies

FPSC has developed relationships with:

-Social Services-Shenandoah County Public Schools-Continuum of Care-Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter-Cooperative Extension Service -Response-Shenandoah Community Health Clinic

5. Family Center-Provides a safe place where families will go throughout the day if currently unemployed.

-Provides laundry facilities and showers.

-Provides counseling services for job procurement and budgeting skills.

-Provides a permanent address for parents involved in job seeking.

5. Family Center (Continued)-Provides Case Management by a professional social worker/Executive Director who will also screen potential guest families for active substance abuse, domestic violence, or psychiatric problems.

-Provides a place for clients to connect and network with existing service agencies that may benefit their needs.

-Provides a home office for the Family Promise Executive Director

Tentative Floor Plan

Anticipated RenovationsCertain renovations will be needed for this to become a reality including:

Installation of two new bathrooms with tubs/showers, toilets, and sinks.

Electrical upgrade as needed.Flooring renovationsHVAC replacementPossible roof repairs

Estimated Expenses ForFamily Center Renovations

Plumbing $ 7,800Electrical 2,150Flooring renovations 1,600Framing 6,000

Total $17,550

6. Finances-To complete needed renovations of the Family Center and for utilities.

-For gas, insurance, oil and other van expenses.

-To employ a professional Executive Director.

-Washer, Dryer, Fridge, Microwave.

6. Finances (Continued)

-Desks, computers, printers, office equipment.

-Bedding, cots, pillows, etc.

-Postage and miscellaneous expenses.

-Part time Case Manager.

How Can You Help?

We are constantly recruiting volunteers to help in various ways.

We are constantly looking for additional host congregations.

We are in need of financial support in order to open and operate.

How Can You Help?

Spread the word to others and invite their support.

Pray, Pray, Pray!

God is at work!!

Family Promiseof Shenandoah County

A Community Response for Homeless Families