For the past 11 years, Interfaith Hospitality Network has helped place families in permanent housing. In 2009, we are committed to continuing our pledge to serve and help the community, now by the name of our parent organization, Family Promise. Your generous gift is essential for helping families in need! Through IHN, Family Promise works with 1,360 local volunteers to provide:

Emergency shelter
Meals
Support services to families who are homeless

In 2008, we helped 63 families and placed 84% of our clients in permanent housing in an average of 23 days (the rest of the clients left the program before completion).

Thanks to our generous donors and volunteers, over the past 11 years we have been able to help 2,474 individuals; 822 families; and 1,522 children

Help us bring hope to mothers and fathers in Grand Rapids who are working hard to provide for their families.

 

Family Homelessness

More than one in every nine people and more than one in six children are living in poverty, the Census Bureau says. Moreover, families with children are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population, making up 40 percent of the urban homeless and 50 percent in rural areas.

Causes

Lack of affordable housing: The most prevalent cause.
Unemployment: Losing a job or even hours, especially at minimum wage, often can tip a family into the streets.
Lack of education: Workers without a skills certificate or college degree hit a barrier to jobs that pay enough to make the rent. They need a bridge to employment.
Domestic violence: Leaving an abusive relationship can cut off financial resources and stable support systems.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse leads to health and mental health problems which can prohibit education, stable employment, and healthy relationships.

Children

In 2007, 23 percent of all homeless people were members of families with children.

More than 2,000 babies are born into poverty each day. That is one every six seconds.

In Kent County in 2008, 23 percent of young children were on food stamps, more than double the percentage in 2000.

Potential consequences

At stake are children? emotional health, coping skills, and achievements later in life. Their early experiences, especially with their primary caregiver, are especially fragile in families with unstable housing.
Common results of childhood trauma include depression, aggression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Sources: Horizons for Homeless Children, U.S. Conference of Mayors, The Grand Rapids Press, National Health Care for Homeless Council