Background

In November of 2003, a group of concerned individuals met to discuss the needs of homeless families in Cabarrus County. From this meeting, Family Promise of Cabarrus County was formed. This network will coordinate an environment that provides homeless families the opportunity to maintain a family unit and work toward independence. With the help of volunteers and houses of worship, we provide fourteen people a place to feel safe, access to phones, social services, job counseling, nutritious meals, and a safe place to sleep. While the Cabarrus County Night Shelter provides a wonderful service, this network will enable families to stay together as a unit, in a more private environment where they maintain a sense of family as well as obtaining assistance to help them find permanent housing.

Family Promise of Cabarrus County will consist of fourteen host churches. These churches open their doors for one week a quarter to the families that are in the network. The churches provide dinner for the guests, entertainment or educational events, worship opportunities, a place to sleep, a quick breakfast, and a bag lunch for the next day. The maximum number of people under the network's care at one time is fourteen. Support churches, (that are unable to serve as hosts due to space limitations or other situations); help the host congregations with volunteers and food preparation. The Network provides transportation to and from the host congregations and the Day Center.

Cabarrus County has an abundance of congregations and caring individuals who can help provide a safe environment for families that find themselves in need of shelter. The atmosphere provided gives them the feeling of safety and caring that can make a huge difference in their circumstances.

A Family’s Stay at Family Promise

A family entering the Network first arrives at the day center for an interview with the Family Promise director, who explains the program. At the end of the day, a Family Promise van transports the family to the host congregation where they will join other guest families.

At the congregation, volunteers greet the family and help them settle in their private sleeping area. Then volunteers and guests dine together in a family setting. Evening activities for children may include homework, crafts, tutoring, or games. Adults may plan their next day’s search for work or housing, read to their children, talk with volunteers, or just relax.

Volunteers prepare breakfast the next morning, and everyone again eats together. Families travel to the day center in the Family Promise van, where guests shower and prepare for school and work. At the day center, which is supervised by the Family Promise director and staff, children play in a safe and secure setting. Adults search for housing and employment, often with help from volunteers.

At the end of the day, the Family Promise van takes families back to the host congregation. After a week’s stay with the first host congregation, volunteers help families move to another host congregation. Seven weeks is a family’s average length of stay in a Family Promise Network. Over 70 percent of guest families secure permanent or transitional housing before leaving Family Promise.

Often the relationship between a family and the Family Promise Network continues after their stay. The Family Promise door is always open for families seeking advice and support. Many guests return as volunteers and mentors, helping to create true community of hospitality.

Why a Family Promise Network?

Benefits…

To Guest Families

• More than seventy percent of Network guests secure permanent housing.
• Intensive case management by Family Promise Director to assist in housing and job searches and in meeting other needs.
• Safe, homelike lodging where families can stay together.

To the Community

• Cost-effective mobilization of existing community resources.
• The shelter is not institutionalized as a solution to homelessness.
• Assists homeless families for about 1/3 the cost of public programs.
• Family Promise becomes a catalyst for other community initiatives, such as job counseling, parenting workshops, and transitional housing.

To Volunteers

• Opportunity to make a difference in their own community.
• Opportunity for families to volunteer together.
• Range of volunteer jobs fits varying schedules, talents, and commitment levels.

To Congregations

• Informs, energizes and motivates congregations.
• Offers meaningful family-centered outreach.
• Offers interfaith partnership

What Makes Up a Family Promise Network?

1. Hosts and Support Congregations
Hosting rotates weekly among the 11 to 14 host congregations in a Network. In turn, each host congregation provides lodging, three meals daily, and welcoming care. Support congregations supply volunteers and aid in food preparation.

2. Day Center
Guests use a local day center from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, where the Family Promise director, a professional social worker, provides case management services. There, guests pursue employment, tend pre-school children, shower, and do laundry. The day center provides guests with a mailing address and a base for housing and employment searches. Many guests are employed during the day, while older children attend school.

3. Volunteers
Volunteers provide various services:

• Cooking and serving meals
• Playing with children or helping them with homework
• Interacting with guests, with respect and compassion

4. Social Service Agencies
Local social service agencies refer families to the Network. The agencies may also help guests find housing, jobs, and benefits.

5. Transportation
A Family Promise van transports guests to and from the day center. The van also carries bedding and luggage to the next host congregation.