 Family
Promise began with a businesswoman who regularly encountered
homeless people on her way to New York City. Karen Olson, now
President of Family Promise, came to know many of the city’s
homeless people after she and her two sons began to bring food
to them weekly. With knowledge came understanding of the
profound loss and disconnection that homelessness causes.
Olson learned that in her home community of Union County, NJ,
there were hundreds of homeless people, including families. She
looked to the religious community for help, convinced that there
were many who shared her concern and that together they could do
what they couldn’t do alone.
Within ten months, 11 area congregations came forward to provide
hospitality space within their buildings. The local YMCA agreed
to provide showers and a day center for families. A car dealer
discounted a van. On October 27, 1986, the first Interfaith
Hospitality Network opened its doors.
As word spread, ten more congregations formed a second
Network. Programs such as transitional housing, childcare, and
family mentoring followed—outgrowths of increased awareness and
involvement.
The success of the Networks led other congregations to seek help
in developing similar programs. By 1989, National Interfaith
Hospitality Network, (now Family Promise) was formed to bring
the program to other areas where neighbors could work together
to help homeless families.
To date, Family Promise has established 114 affiliates in 37
states, using the services of more than 100,000 volunteers and
4,000 congregations. The IHNs provide shelter, meals, and
housing and job placement support to more than 17,000 homeless
family members annually, 58 percent of them children.
(Reprinted from
Family Promise)
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