As an organization that serves more than 100,000 people a year, and involves 200,000 volunteers, we have been monitoring the current health crisis. For the past month, we have been working with our Affiliates on contingency plans and public health best practices, sharing guidance from the CDC, and public health and homelessness agencies.
I’d like to highlight the following points and encourage your ongoing involvement in our program during this challenging time:
- Our model congregates people together. Affiliates are following the lead of their state and local officials on minimizing risk. This means often “shelter in place” to limit exposure and stringent attention to best practices to limit contagion.
- Unfortunately, homelessness is not suspended; our services are still critically needed. We applaud communities that have taken steps to avert potential new cases of homelessness through assistance programs and eviction abatement.
- If you want to help, contact your local Affiliate. Many volunteers are providing food and supplies when Affiliates may have to suspend rotational shelter. We are built on community response and flexibility and have already seen volunteers step forward to help.
- Low-income families can potentially be very hard-hit by the health crisis through the loss of wages, jobs, transportation, childcare, and more. They will need our support now and into the future. Please advocate for any community programs that provide resources to families at risk of homelessness.
- Our Affiliates, and many other nonprofits, often depend on fundraising events to meet their budgets and pay for services. As some of these events will be postponed or cancelled, please make the gifts you would at an event to help support Family Promise’s work in your community.
Thank you all for your continued dedication to the children and families we serve.
With deepest appreciation and regards,
Claas
