Family Promise of Jacksonville

Shelter - since 2006, Family Promise of jacksonville partners with local congregations to provide families experiencing homelessness the resources to remove barriers while providing shelter. The 15 host congregations provide shelter and food on a rotating basis while Family Promise offers intensive case management focused on affordable housing, gainful employment, financial literacy, education and other social service needs. Family Promise keeps families together instead of separated in different sections of a shelter. It can serve single mothers, single fathers, two- parent families, grandparents raising grandchildren. In 2022, Family Promise sheltered 13 families with a total of 46 Family members, 17 adults and 29 children. 85% successfully graduated. 90% had improved financial literacy and access to resources. The average length of stay in the shelter was 84 days.

Housing stability - a community-wide effort to move those impacted by covid to housing. Using cares act funds, the motel to housing program's goal is to provide improved shelter for those at risk of complications from covid- 19. Motels to housing program to move those living in motels to permanent housing. In 2022, Family Promise assisted 34 families with a total of 68 Family members, 43 adults and 25 children.

Family support - jacksonville faces a critical shortage of shelter beds for families experiencing homelessness. Combined with rising rent costs, a 6% jump in 2018 alone, this creates a maelstrom for struggling families. In 2019, Family Promise created a new solution, the Family support program. It combines case management, resources and encouragement with the goal of moving families from uncertainty to stability. This support can be as simple as providing work boots for a new job, a place to do laundry to the more complex challenges of finding housing or employment. In the initial case management meeting, families identify barriers, develop a financial plan, review resources in the community and create a game plan. Each week the Family returns to work with Family Promise staff on the goals and identify trouble spots. The Family also has access if needed to computers, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and food. In 2022, Family Promise assisted 32 families with a total of 110 Family members, 48 adults and 62 children.