FAQs regarding ‘Family Promise’

The next general membership meeting has been set for November 26. The item to be voted on will be the election of our 2018 officers and Board members. Also on the agenda is a question and answer session related to the church’s participation in the Family Promise program.

Some Questions and Answers About Family Promise
1. WHO are the Homeless in Family Promise?
     They are NOT the people sleeping in storefronts downtown. They are families with young children who are at the cusp for permanent housing.  They have been vetted for drug and alcohol use and mental health issues.  Their participation in Family Promise helps them save for the deposit and provides them resources to find a job or home.

2. Are we READY to take on Family Promise?
     It will probably take 18-24 months before the affiliate is a reality. At the present time, Connect Point and the Salvation Army have answered the call.  Methodists, Lutherans, Catholics and Buddhists are also considering a commitment.  Once 13 churches are found, the Affiliate will have to find grants to set up and operate a Day Center, purchase a van and hire a full-time Director and Case Manager. There is still a lot of work to be done before we
get involved.

3. How will we get VOLUNTEERS to assist us with Family Promise?
     We will not be doing Family Promise by ourselves. We will draw in others who are concerned about homelessness to work with us. We will ask the five congregations in our church to help provide meals and support. We will work with other faith-based groups to make a difference and ask community service groups for their active participation.

4. WHO are the East Hawaii Executive Leadership Team?
     Elizabeth Naholowaa Murph of Catholic Charities, Lindbergh Marzo and Moana-Lei Mauga. Pastor Eric is also part of the steering committee.