Family Promise of Hall County is ready to launch the public phase of the capital campaign, the campaign’s silent phase, which began last fall, having already raised more than one million dollars gifts and pledges.
Hank Goble, board member and chairman of the campaign, made the announcement at the organization’s annual banquet attended by over 250 friends and supporters.
“It’s a privilege to report that the silent phase of this campaign to create The Homestead has been a tremendous success,” said Goble. “In the coming weeks we will continue working to reach and surpass the campaign goal of $1.3 million.”
The focus of the campaign is to create a centralized location to serve families and children who are temporarily experiencing homelessness. A 10-acre site with existing useable buildings is under contract with a closing date tentatively set for November.
The Homestead will centralize the Family Promise Little Steps Daycare, short term housing, the L.I.F.E. Program, the Christmas Promise Store, case management and administration offices.
“The Family Promise board of directors embraced the vision for The Homestead and has worked diligently to locate the right property,” said Lindsey McCamy, executive director and founder of the Hall County affiliate of the national Family Promise organization.
“There are children sleeping in their parent’s car tonight because they have nowhere else to go,” said McCamy. “The Homestead will provide them and their parents the shelter and services they need until they can get back on their feet.”
Families who are accepted into the Family Promise program agree to find employment and attend L.I.F.E. classes to learn how to manage money, how to get and keep a job, and how to be better parents.
“Family Promise believes in empowering parents with self-sufficiency through education and discipline,” said McCamy. “Equipped with financial, employee readiness and parenting skills, parents graduate embracing a stable lifestyle for their children.”
Family Promise currently utilizes the facilities of churches in Hall County who take turns housing and feeding families.
“Family Promise of Hall County opened its doors in 2012 and we would not be where we are today without the resources of our host churches and their volunteers,” said McCamy.
The banquet included testimonies from two former Family Promise guests, a mother and her teenage daughter. The mother described how homelessness happened suddenly when her rent increased and she was unable to pay, even with a job and a 12-year history in the apartment.
She told the audience of Family Promise supporters, volunteers, and guests that Family Promise helped her regain her confidence while providing food and shelter for a 90-day period. Her new employment readiness skills helped her interview for and get a job in a management position that includes benefits.
“Families can suddenly find themselves underwater financially because of a similar situation, or poor health, a divorce, or loss of a job. Family Promise’s mission is to get them back on their feet, “said McCamy.
