Union County, NJ, April 29, 2020 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated $10,000 to Family Promise of Union County, an organization that helps at-risk and low-income families combat homelessness and gain sustainable independence.
“As soon as the COVID-19 crisis began, we quickly developed the COVID-19 Hardship Assistance Fund,” said Geleen Donovan, Executive Director of Family Promise Union County. “This incredible donation will support the emergency fund, and many families will benefit from this generous gift!”
The fund has provided for families who were in community-based shelters to be moved temporarily to individual apartments where they could quarantine. It also provides emergency financial assistance for rent, food, utilities, and transportation to 50 families in the area, many of whom have become more financially vulnerable due to loss of income during the pandemic, said Donovan.
“Family Promise is an inspired organization that acts as a stop gap for families experiencing homelessness by providing housing, food, training, education, and other support until they can get into their own homes again in a more stable way,” said Heidi Elton, a community outreach director and volunteer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Our local congregation has supported Family Promise of Union County in the past through volunteerism, and we are now pleased to be able to provide a donation that can continue to help families during these difficult and unprecedented times.”
Family Promise operates more than 200 Affiliates in 43 states with more than 200,000 dedicated volunteers. The organization has provided shelter, meals, case management, homelessness prevention, and stabilization services to nearly 1 million individuals, with more than 88 percent of families in its shelter program securing housing because of intensive case management and community support.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing more than 110 COVID-19 relief projects in 57 countries. Most of the projects are with trusted partners from humanitarian agencies, health ministries, and hospitals.
For more information on donating to Family Promise, click here. 100% of donations made through the website will be designated for COVID-19 relief, and any excess funds will be redirected to areas of greatest need.
