Family Promise

PURPOSE

Help temporarily homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.

WHO WE SERVE

Temporarily homeless families. Most homeless shelters separate men and women and are dormitory style. Family Promise respects the dignity of the family and allows them to stay together when they need each other most.

WHAT IS FAMILY PROMISE? 

Family Promise (North Shore Chapter in Evanston) partners with nearby synagogues and churches to house and feed families in need. The Evanston Center carefully screens their families, and they provide support to find jobs, child care, pursue education, financial counseling, etc. Nearly 85% of families transition out of homelessness after three to four months in this program.

WHAT WE DO

• For two weeks in June we turn our classrooms into family bedrooms

• Families typically arrive about 6 pm and leave in the morning, where they return to the center or go to work

• Volunteers bring family style meals and join our guests for dinner as we would in our own homes

• Volunteers visit and/or entertain guest children after dinner

• Volunteers provide grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options for guests to pack and take with them

• Volunteers also serve as overnight hosts

To see a sample of the dinner and overnight responsibilities of volunteers, click here.

Coordinators: Annice Moses, Mike Rosenthal, Ann Weisberg, and Rabbi Jacob Leizman