Who we are?

Family Promise of Manatee County is a network of local congregations organized to help Manatee County’s homeless families with children.  It is lived out as a network of faith communities who, on a rotational basis, provide shelter and meals for the week while they host.  Each family is assisted by the staff in finding and implementing lasting solutions to their unique situations.

Homelessness can be triggered by many events, and this is especially true with the tumult that exists in our economy today.  An unexpected medical expense, large auto repair, loss of a job, or a host of other factors can precipitate the loss of a home, whether it’s owned or rented, an apartment or house.

When a family loses their home, the impact is dramatic: children frequently are no longer able to get to school and parents don’t have the tools to address the situation, becoming demoralized in the process.  Simply finding affordable food and shelter becomes an overwhelming task.

Family Promise not only provides an answer to the immediate needs of food and shelter, but also connects them with the resources that our community has to offer, and does so in a caring environment.  Modeled on and with the help of a successful national program, Family Promise of Manatee County has organized an Interfaith Hospitality Network by recruiting local congregations whose volunteers are committed to helping homeless families.

Although we are a faith-based program, we believe in putting our faith into action, not just words.  Proselytizing is strictly forbidden and guests need not attend any religious activities to receive services.