Stats to Know
SUCCESS RATE: On average, 75% of the families who participated in Family Promise's Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) programs in 2010 have found permanent housing within 65 days, guests without jobs usually find employment through the program or enter job training. Others even enroll in school or training.
THE NEED: The number of homeless persons on any given night in the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) ranges between 5,000 and 10,000. Families constitute 36% of the homeless population in the SGV. There is an insufficient number of short-term housing beds and permanent supportive housing units available to address the current need.
Family Promise:
what it is and why we're involved
what it is and why we're involved
Family Promise is a nationwide organization that provides resources for homeless families. We are part of an Interfaith Hospitality Network. For more information click here!
How it works:
• On a local scale this is accomplished through area networks made up of places of worship willing to house families as they look for housing and work.• Each individual network (in our case Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley) raises funds through donations and grants to secure a day center where the families can look for work/housing, do laundry and shower and hire a network director/social worker to assist the families in finding resources.
Our Part:
• South Pasadena Christian Church is one of a dozen plus churches committed to housing these families and feeding them for a week at a time. So no one congregation has to bear too much of the burden the families rotate between churches each week.• This means we host families from Sunday evening to Sunday morning, every two/three months. While with us we provide each family with their own space and bedding, as well as a family dinner, a simple breakfast and sack lunches.
• To ensure the safety of the residents there need to be two volunteers at the church with the families at all times. Typically this falls into two categories, volunteers to cook dinner and eat with the families; and volunteers to spend the night to handle any need that arises.
Why We're Involved:
South Pasadena Christian Church is committed to ministering to the needy and hurting of the world. Unfortunately we are limited in size and resources to confront the overwhelming problem of homelessness in Southern California. Family Promise allows us to connect with an organization and other churches with a similar and worthwhile goal to accomplish greater things in the name of Christ.What Can You Do?
• Volunteer to cook or stay the night; get your family and friends to serve with you!Click here to get involved!
• Donate money, food, bedding, and supplies to help us help homeless families!