Our Families
Every year Family Promise helps hundreds of our neighbors access healthy food and safe, permanent housing. Here are some of their stories.
This period in my life has been defined by strength, resilience, and new beginnings for me and my children. I am currently staying in the Interfaith Hospitality Network with my two children, and recently my employer featured me as a “Teacher Spotlight” in their newsletter. Shortly after, I was honored to be named Employee of the Month. When I first arrived at Family Promise, I was starting over, but I got a job at a local childcare center the very next day because I was determined to rebuild stability for my family. Over the past five months, I have worked closely with the case management team to build stability, access benefits, and create a stronger foundation while my children settled into school. With Family Promise beside me and determination within me, I am building confidence and looking ahead with hope as I prepare to move into a transitional housing program.
Finding our way home has been a journey filled with challenges, hope, and important milestones. Just one month before coming to Family Promise, my daughter A. and I were experiencing homelessness. When we arrived, everything felt uncertain, but things began to change quickly. During our stay in the emergency shelter, A. enrolled in a new school where she formed meaningful friendships right away and began to thrive. In a short period of time, I reached several important milestones. I was able to obtain a new photo ID, which had been a major barrier and finally opened the door to employment opportunities. After I found a full-time job, I immediately began searching for a safe, stable home for us. In less than 30 days after starting work, A. and I joyfully moved into a two-bedroom home of our own.
I never imagined how hard it would be to keep my family together while spending a year couch surfing and then moving into a shelter in Montgomery County. When we found a landlord in Philadelphia, I felt hopeful, but after losing my job we were evicted, and I was overwhelmed by the fear of losing my children. I’m incredibly grateful for my Family Promise case manager, who supported us with housing, transportation for my kids to school, mental health care, and even hearing aids for my disability. Her steady guidance gave me the strength to speak up, believe in myself, and advocate for my family. When I learned that help was available to find a home, I felt a deep sense of relief.
I feel like I am stronger than when I got to Family Promise. As a single mom with two kids, I faced a lot, including job loss, financial stress, and the fear of not being able to provide stability for my family. I learned how to speak up for myself and my children, especially when it came to their education and mental wellness. With the support of my case manager, I gained confidence, learned to manage my money better, and even passed a job entry test. Moving out after two years was emotional, but I put a plan in place and now see it as the beginning of a new chapter.
I can accomplish more than I ever thought I could. When I came to Family Promise with my four kids, I was scared. We had been homeless for so long. I wanted to get back to work, but there were so many obstacles. The staff helped me keep going when things got tough. The people at the churches and synagogue were so kind. They made meals my kids actually ate, gave us beds, and played games with us at night. When we moved into our apartment, they helped with furniture and even found a dress for my daughter’s 8th grade dance. Our new place is small, but we’re happy. I’m working full time as a home health aide and can pay for what we need. I’ve discovered a strength in myself I never knew I had.
Every two weeks, I pick up groceries from the food lockers for my two elderly sisters who can’t get there themselves. Ordering is simple. I just place the request two days ahead and pick up when my schedule allows, which really helps with everything I have going on. The food we receive makes a big difference. There is meat, pasta, frozen fruits and vegetables, and things to have in their kitchen cabinets like peanut butter and jelly. But what means the most are eggs and toilet paper. They’re the basics we often go without. It brings comfort knowing my sisters won’t go hungry, and it reminds me that Family Promise truly sees us and cares.
