Family Promise of Ouachita assist homeless children and their families experiencing homelessness in a 30 - 90 day program providing:
*Overnight Accomodations (provided by Host Congregations)
*Three meals a day (provided by Host and Support Congregations)
*Day Center
*Case Managemeant including resumes, job search, home planning, and follow ups & financial budgeting & health care services
*Van Transportation to and from Host Congregations and as needed at the discretion of the Director
*Support from Volunteers
Local congregations provide shelter and meals to families experiencing a change in living accomodations (up to 14 individuals). The homelike accomodations are within the congregation's facilities. Family Promise of Ouachita participating in a family environment supervised by volunteers.
What is Homelessness?
Being without a safe, warm place to sleep, eat, and care for children; living without the security of familiar people and belongings. The loss of one's home, the most basic element of stability, is a profound crisis for anyone, but especially for families. Parents endure the heartache of being unable to provide a secure environment for their children. And children, who now make up 3- percent of our nation's homeless population, are deprived of a fundamental requirement for healthy development.
How many people are Homeless?
Statistics vary depending on the source, but estimated are that 2-3 million people a year experience homelessness. The sad truth is that families with young children are the faster growing segment of the homeless population. They now account for 40 percent of all those who are homeless.
"Everyone Matters"
What about the numbers here at home?
The State of Louisiana records show that the Ouachita Parish school system has 739 children that are homeless with another 626 children in the Monroe City School System.
4 Basic Element:
1.) Congregational Hosting
-Three to four times a year, local churches provide overnight lodging, meals, hospitality and other assistance for our families.
2.) Life Skills & Parenting Classes
-These classes are taught by professionals who volunteer their time to help Family Promise guests. The classes are part of FPO's goals to help our families achieve permanent stability.
3.) Social Services Angencies
-FPO serves as a link between our families and local social services agencies. This cooperation helps our guests get access to housing, employment, social services and more.
4.) Day Center
-The Day Center provides a homelike atmosphere for our guests from 7am to 5pm. Guests have access to showers, internet access, a mailing address and a phone, all of which are crucial to job and housing searches.
Our Mission Statement:
" To partner with faith-based congregations and community resources to provide safe, transitional housing, meals, and support services for families with children in a manner that offers hope, preserves dignity, and promotes independence.