When you enter the office of Family Promise of Grand Rapids, you’ll see a frame on the counter containing many different photos of individuals and families. In the corner of the frame, a quote written by a 15-year-old guest reads:
“Homeless, I am. Hopeless? That I will never be.”
Family Promise provides this kind of hope to more than 500 people in Kent County each year through its temporary and permanent housing, case management, mentoring services and furniture donation programs.
In the last few years, many families are finding themselves homeless or struggling to keep their homes for the first time in their lives, and a disturbing trend shows the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in Kent County -- now making up 50 percent -- is families with children.
Throughout all of Michigan, the number of homeless students counted by the schools has increased by more than 300 percent in the last four years, with almost 2,100 homeless students on record in 2011.
“When people think of the homeless, most people think of a person living under a bridge,” says Family Promise Executive Director Cheryl Schuch. “That’s not usually who we see.”
Schuch says of the families helped by Family Promise’s Interfaith Hospitality Network program, 65 percent are homeless for the first time. More than 70 percent are single moms and nearly 55 percent of the families have children under the age of four. Research has recently discovered that chronic stress in children within this age group can lead to permanent damage, enhancing the likelihood of challenges later in their lives.
A lack of decent jobs and affordable housing options, changes to Michigan’s family assistance programs, marital separations and domestic violence are the most common reasons people seek the assistance of Family Promise.
While there are various shelters around town, most don’t have the capacity to keep families together in times of crisis. That’s where Family Promise is different.
“Our program allows families to stay together,” Schuch says. “This is a core critical piece to maintain strength.”
Through its Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) program, the organization works with several different host sites that take turns housing five families at a time at their facilities each night for a week. Most of the current host sites are churches, but Family Promise welcomes all faiths and is open to partnering with any organization that can provide proper housing for the families or volunteers to help with meals and other services.
During the day, the families are brought back to the Family Promise office where they can talk with staff and volunteers, work on their resumes, look for housing or simply relax in a safe and comforting environment.
Last year, 61 families participated in the IHN program and 93 percent went into independent housing where most still remain today. Schuch says the key to the program is sustainability, so they provide a comprehensive, long-term support system to help the families become self-sufficient and retain hope.
Since the program began in 1997, Family Promise has served more than 800 families, 2,500 individuals and 1,800 kids.
In addition to the IHN program, Family Promise offers a way for families to obtain affordable housing through its Partners in Housing program. Manufactured homes are purchased by the organization and then refurbished for qualified families. After the family demonstrates they’re able to consistently pay the rent and utilities, they can own the home six months after moving in.
A furniture donation program also provides beds, furniture and household items to families in need who are entering new living spaces.
Volunteers are always appreciated to help with meals, transport furniture and household items, play with children or watch them while their parents look for jobs and housing, resume and budgeting assistance, or simply just supporting the families in whatever way is needed.
“Most of our volunteers talk about what they’re getting, not giving, at the end of their experience,” says Schuch, referring to rewards of volunteering to help the families.
Family Promise’s goal is to end homelessness, one family at a time. Here are some ways you can help:
- Visit
Family Promise online to find out more.
- Donate furniture, household goods and other items on the
Wish List or donate to Family Promise
financially.
-
Volunteer in a variety of ways.
-
Vote on July 28. Family Promise has been selected as a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good campaign. This campaign awards 100 cars in 100 days to nonprofit organizations in need of a new vehicle. Currently, Family Promise lacks a way to transport furniture, household goods, food and personal care items for their guests. They’re hoping to win a Toyota Tundra through this campaign. The only day to vote is July 28 so mark it on your calendar!
- Play golf on September 17 in the
10th Annual Family Promise Golf Outing.
- Like them on
Facebook.
- Follow
@familypromisegr on Twitter.
Source: Cheryl Schuch, Executive Director at Family Promise
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor
Photos provided by Family Promise.