Family Promise
Family Promise is a national nonprofit organization "committed to helping low-income families achieve lasting independence." One aspect of Family Promise is the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), which provides temporary lodging in church buildings for homeless families. Family Promise IHN of Lorain County was started in 2008, and First Lutheran has been a host site since 2010. Two weeks a year, families spend the night at the church.
During the day, guest families stay at a day center.
While there the Network Director, who manages all components of the program, works intensively with the families as they seek childcare, housing, jobs, and other needed resources.
At night, guest families stay at a host congregation which provides shelter, meals, and support.
Volunteers prepare meals, provide supplies, host evening activities, sleep overnight, staff the day center, and most importantly provide human compassion.
A Network van is available to transport guests between host congregations and the day center; children are transported to their schools of origin, providing for continuity in their education during a time of instability.
(information from www.familypromiselorainco.org)
