21 Aug Inspiring and Guiding Advocacy
As a local community thought leader in affordable housing and food insecurity, Family Promise Montco PA advocates for policies and initiatives that ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable housing and nutritious food. In this role, the Family Promise team had the opportunity to meet with Pennsylvania State Senator Maria Collette and Congresswoman Madeline Dean this summer. We shared our mission-driven approach, innovative ideas, deep expertise, and a clear vision for the future to address homelessness and hunger— so that no one goes unhoused or hungry.
Senator Collette spent a Tuesday morning engaging with our staff to learn more about the work being done to tackle the pressing issues affecting our community. Stories were shared about local families experiencing poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity. She also toured the Family Promise Food Pantry to witness firsthand the impact of providing healthy food, household supplies, and personal care items to our Montgomery County neighbors. The Senator has been an active advocate for PHARE (Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund), which is used to assist with the creation, rehabilitation, and support of affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth. Family Promise Montco has been a recipient of PHARE funds, most recently receiving an award of $350,000 to make accessibility improvements to our transitional housing. We extend our sincere thanks to Senator Collette for also sponsoring a food drive this month to benefit our food pantry in Roslyn.
On August 7, our staff participated in a Round Table Discussion focused on addressing food insecurity in Montgomery County. The event, attended by Congresswoman Dean, representatives from Philabundance, and local agencies, provided valuable insights into the local impact of food insecurity. Clients who rely on food pantries shared their experiences and the hope these resources bring. LaToya Williams, Family Promise Montco Food Pantry Manager, shared, “This roundtable highlighted the importance of such dialogues in shaping effective policies for the upcoming Farm Bill, endorsed by Congresswoman Dean, to ensure safe and affordable food for all consumers.”
We take pride in our collaboration with community organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions and raise awareness about these critical issues. While our ability to control affordable rents and wages is limited, Family Promise Montco is inspiring change and leading efforts to create preventative measures to stop homelessness before it starts, ensuring long-term stability.