[Lekooks] Family Promise Update

[Gina Magnus]

Hello All,

We were able to have a Zoom Family Promise Volunteer Coordinator meeting on
Monday evening.  The main topics of discussion were whether or not the
participating churches are interested in continuing with the program and
how/if we can restructure the program to reopen and accept families.  The
program's shift toward homelessness prevention will hopefully help, but we
can likely count on an increased need for the program in the near future.

Here are some highlights from the discussion:

- all churches remain committed and supportive
- there is concern that many in our volunteer force are older and at higher
risk
- concern also about the number of families that we could host at any given
time (number of restrooms and shared space with ability to remain socially
distant varies by location)
- most churches prefer ( for the short term) a model in which the families
stay in one place and the volunteers come to them
- the focus on preventing homelessness by helping families with
rent/utilities/gas/groceries is well received (ongoing donations of gift
cards, cash and supplies are most welcome)
-  all VCs indicated a need for additional training if we go back to
hosting, the training would center on public health and safety
- one church had the idea of having a church-wide drive (money/gift
cards/supplies) during the week that WOULD HAVE been their host week.  I
LOVE THIS IDEA! Our next host week would have been May 31-June 6
- the lease on the Day Center in Wales is ending and they are working on
purchasing a building in Waukesha. The location is a big plus as it is very
near the bus station and more convenient to Waukesha Schools (approx 60% of
our families come from Waukesha)
- there are no plans at this time to reopen soon, this was a meeting to
gather input from all of the host and support churches

I really like the idea of ramping up our support of the program at all
times, but especially having a focus on the week that would have been our
host week.  If we can support the alumni families and those who connect
during the pandemic for support with rent/utilities/food/car repair/gas
etc. we can hopefully keep them from needing our support in the traditional
role of Family Promise.

Thanks,

gina magnus
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