12 Families No Longer Homeless
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Kalaheo High students Meigan Christopher, Rochelle
Nicholson and Chris Ciervo clean up the back yard
Feb. 10 at the Family Promise day center. Photo by
Byron Lee, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Since Windward churches opened their hearts and halls to homeless families one year ago, Hawaii’s version of the Family Promise program has been very “promising"indeed.
The original eight churches have expanded to 14 hosting overnight stays, and 10 supporting congregations. Executive director Kent Anderson proudly shares other vital statistics:“We’ve had 4,300 bed nights, more than 1,000 volunteers giving 20,000 hours of service, and we’ve served 13,000 meals.
“It adds up pretty quickly.” And at least a dozen families who were once homeless have moved into permanent housing.
“We are just starting to see the benefits,” he added, noting that the relationships that grow between volunteers and families may foster an attitude change.“It’s exciting to see their interaction. As the communities rally behind the program, we must adopt this - that homelessness is unacceptable.”
Family Promise links committed faith communities with pre-screened families, so that each church provides dinner and shelter to its guests for one week on a rotation with others. The support churches, or partners, do not house guests but help in other ways.
Family Promise Hawaii also operates daily out of a Kainalu Drive home, which serves as the daytime hub for laundry, showers, and phone link to potential employers, landlords and other resources. Child care and activities are also provided to guest families ,supervised by Anderson and program manager Christie MacPherson.
And starting Feb. 10 Kalaheo High School clubs have committed to help maintain the day center and grounds for four hours on Saturdays. Their immediate goal is to serve 500 volunteer hours.
“I think it’s wonderful that they’re taking time to do this,“said MacPherson.“They’re such energetic, bright young people.”
The day center could also use a newsletter editor, a grant writer and other special talents. To offer help, call 261-7478.
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