Our volunteers see beyond the abstractions and statistics of poverty. They come to know real people with real needs. They begin with the basics-providing shelter, meals, and support services to homeless families-but many of them go on to do much more.
Often they create new programs to solve local problems and meet local needs.
Some Family Promise and IHN organizations have developed additional sheltering loops, as we are doing here in Las Vegas. (A sheltering loop, or rotation, allows faith houses to shelter families on a rotating basis. This strategic plan to develop additional loops enables us to double our sheltering capacity.) Others have established parenting classes and tutoring programs for children. Still others have set up health clinics, renovated housing, and created job-training programs. Some examples include:
The IHN found that they were able to help homeless families by putting a roof over their heads, but were frustrated in their efforts to help adults find and keep jobs because of the lack of affordable child care. They responded to that need by starting the Augusta Children's Day Care Center.
The found that even though they were successful in placing guests in housing, some families faced ongoing struggles. They created a formal program of life skills classes to help guests navigate the many obstacles that low-income families face. The program provides aftercare support, information, advice, and real-life solutions.
The IHN partners with Wells Fargo Bank to offer a Family Savings Program, through which guests receive guidance and information on budgeting and saving. Families can open a Wells Fargo savings account with no fees or minimum balance and receive assistance from a Personal Banker. Upon leaving IHN, guests can qualify for a small savings matching grant to help pay rent or utilities.
To support and encourage the development of these community initiatives, our National Family Promise offers affiliates information on how existing programs have been developed, funded and maintained. Family Promise connects IHNs planning a specific program with network directors and volunteers who were involved in developing similar initiatives in other communities to share tips and advice on staffing, securing funds, and promoting the programs.
