Family Promise

Area of Focus: Homeless families with children
Website: www.familypromisehawaii.org

Family Promise of Hawai`i shelters, feeds and supports homeless families with children.  They help families transition into sustainable independence.  Through this process, Family Promise educates and integrates faith-based communities and their members in order to create a more caring community.

Family Promise of Hawai`i is in the midst of establishing its presence and operations on O`ahu.  In 2006, Family Promise opened its Windward Network.  In 2007, it opened its Honolulu Network, secured a short-term Family Center day-site, and identified a long-term Family Center that will serve both the Honolulu and Windward Networks.

Family Promise of Hawai`i is in a steep start-up phase. The organization has developed strong board leadership, established ties to many church communities, and capable staffing.

Services focus on the parents and their ability to re-establish self-sufficiency. Family Promise recognizes, however, that homelessness and the transitions are affecting the children.  Therefore, they would like to provide more support for the children.

In the first 11 months of 2007, the Windward and Honolulu Networks provided shelter and services to about 24 homeless families.  Family Promise involved more than 50 congregations in its mission.  In turn, the congregations provided 1,200 volunteers and 15,000 volunteer hours.  In 2008, each network expects to work with about 20 families.