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 have developed transitional housing. Others have established parenting classes and tutoring programs for children. Still others have set up health clinics, renovated housing, and created job-training programs.

The Augusta, Georgia, 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 Spokane, Washington, IHN 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 Denver, Colorado 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.

The Eau Claire, Wisconsin IHN partners with the local university to provide student nurses who are paired with families to assess basic health needs and make referrals to other providers for ongoing medical needs. The assistance is extended to help families leaving IHN with funding to meet medical and dental needs, including doctor visits, prescriptions, eyeglasses and other medical supplies and services.

How Family Promise Supports Community Initiatives

To support and encourage the development of these community initiatives, Family Promise offers affiliates information on how existing programs have been developed, funded and maintained. A Program Directory of these initiatives is available; to order one, please contact Jillian Twyford at extension 20 or email. We are currently working on a searchable database of these initiatives. Look for more information this fall.

In addition, 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.