Family Promise provides needs for Houston County’s children experiencing homelessness

PERRY — Since 2013, a local organization has been making strides in providing families experiencing homelessness with not just a handout but a hand-up, setting them up for continued success. 

A branch of an organization based in New Jersey, Family Promise of Greater Houston County has been in the community for over a decade and has helped many families improve their situations.

Executive Director Nicole Rosser said the Houston County branch is among over 200 affiliates making a difference nationwide.

Largely run by volunteers, Family Promise partners with several churches and community organizations to provide shelter to homeless families with children. Rosser mentioned that children are the primary demographic the organization wishes to help.

“You have to have children under the age of 18 that are in your care and with you, to be able to provide a service to the family,” Rosser explained.

Since its beginning, Family Promise relied on churches for overnight lodging and had a day center, but it was able to grow into a larger facility in 2022.

It has now branched into what Rosser called a “static site,” a facility in Perry that provides everything to a family going through the program.

The program starts with a phone interview initiated by the interested party.

“During the phone screening we explain what the program requirements are, to make sure it’s a good fit for them and a good fit for us,” Rosser said.

An in-person appointment is set up so potential recipients can provide paperwork and needed documentation. Then, Family Promise will conduct a drug screening and criminal background check, searching for open warrants or felonies.

Rosser emphasized the nature of intake means the facility isn’t necessarily for immediate shelter.

“Actually coming into this program could take up to weeks for approval if we have space available,” Rosser said.

Overall, families are selected based on who would be the best fit for the program. The program is not an excuse not to improve; applicants must maintain employment and have been Georgia residents for over six months.

Once in the program, families will receive housing in an apartment for 90 days, daycare, an after-school program for children and transportation during weekdays. 

“It’s not just a babysitting tool; it’s a STEM-related program, so it gives the children an opportunity [for] some other resources so they don’t fall through the cracks,” Rosser said.

The program also provides help in financial planning and counseling with a licensed family therapist. Rosser believes Family Promise is unique in its focus on children while teaching parents habits for maintaining permanent housing.

“We have several things going on and different phases to our program. It is absolutely a requirement in our program that folks in our program are saving money,” Rosser said.

Family Promise is renovating the apartments on-site to accommodate larger families and ensure ADA compliance. Rosser hopes renovations will be complete by February 2025.

“The facility that we moved in was set up to serve individual adults, so we’re having to make some changes to campus. Again, we’ve been here for two years, so we’re seeing what works and what doesn’t work,” Rosser said.

In addition to the cost of renovations, Rosser also mentioned the facility is always looking for donations to help with the after-school program, overhead costs and maintenance.

Rosser said the facility also seeks to hire a part-time position during the day, incurring additional costs.

Family Promise does all this with one mission: to help families with diverse backgrounds and experiences get back on their feet.

“Our overall mission is to help families, first of all, where they are,” Rosser said.

She mentioned many families who have received help also pay it forward and volunteer, ensuring they stay connected and encourage each other long after graduating from the program. 

Family Promise also has an advisory council of families who have received help, who can guide how to improve its approach to future families needing assistance. The council also meets with families in the program to help them make the most of their experience.

Rosser said the organization also does what it can to help graduating families after moving on from the program.

She said the program has helped over 800 homeless children, equipping them for a brighter future.

“Some have gone on to the military, some have become parents, some have gone on to college. As I’m speaking to them, they say, ‘Hey, Family Promise was a great impact for my family,'” Rosser said. 

Families’ benefits include increased social connections and a sustainable model for self-sufficiency.

“It wasn’t your normal thoughts of shelter. It was fellowship; it was friendship; it was support and it helped to strengthen the family as a unit. It wasn’t just to put a band-aid on the situation and provide shelter for a few weeks, and then a family has to move on and figure something else out. Our greatest impact is actually coming up with solid plans to help families sustain. It’s all about sustainability,” Rosser said.

Rosser encouraged the public to follow Family Promise on Facebook to stay informed about the organization’s activities. To donate, sign up to volunteer, or learn more about the organization, visit here.