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Family Promise was founded on the belief that Americans are compassionate people who want to make a difference. Our promise has been to link those in need with those who want to help. Family Promise is committed to helping low-income families nationwide to achieve lasting independence. We do this by helping communities mobilize to provide safe shelter, meals, and support services for homeless families and through programs designed to redress the underlying causes of homelessness. 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. The First Interfaith Hospitality Network Becomes a Reality 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 Network Goes National 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 124 affiliates in 39 states, using the services of more than 110,000 volunteers and 4,500 congregations. The IHNs provide shelter, meals, and housing and job placement support to more than 20,000 homeless family members annually, 58 percent of them children.
Tel. (908) 273-1100
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