- April 18, 2024
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Family Promise of Flagler County is the newest affiliate of national group Family Promise, an interfaith hospitality network working to provide shelter and community for homeless families.
The Flagler County affiliate, which is set to officially open January 2012, is in the planning and fundraising stages. Thirteen churches in Flagler County are needed to participate as host churches to house homeless families one week at a time, four times a year.
Before opening doors, Family Promise must also raise $40,000 — half of the first year’s operating budget.
To date, five area churches have committed to the cause: Flagler Beach United Methodist Church, St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, Palm Coast Seventh Day Adventists and First Church of Palm Coast. In addition, Grace Tabernacle and Dominion Fellowship Church, which do not have the proper facility to host, have committed to support the project.
Family Promise was designed not as a permanent solution for homelessness, but as a support system. Families stay in the program for an average of 60 days, but because of the economy, the stay has elevated to 90 days, according to Jackie Morelewicz, Family Promise of Flagler County coordinator. Eighty percent of families involved in Family Promise transition into permanent housing.
While involved in the program, adults and children continue with their daily routines of going to work, looking for jobs and going to school.
“When they leave the program, they will be mentored for one year or more, so they stay where they are and don’t fall into a hole,” Morelewicz said. “The reason this program works is because of the mentoring and the community-building through the church. They feel like they’re not alone out there.”
There will be an information session 7 p.m. Aug. 31, at St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, 303 Palm Coast Parkway N.E., for churches who have already committed to the program.
To get involved personally, or as a congregation, call Morelewicz at 986-3146.
SEND DONATIONS TO:
Family Promise of Flagler County Inc.
P.O. Box 1244
Flagler Beach, Fla. 32136
Send religion story ideas and photos to Shanna Fortier at shanna@palmcoast observer.com.
