Due to Governor Whitmer’s order to shelter in place, Family Promise will be closing the Day Center until at least May 30. At that point we will reevaluate, and decide on our next steps.
Many of you have reached out, and asked how can you help during this time. Thank you! We are experiencing an increase in families asking for help due to COVID-19. Many families, who were staying in double up situations, are now being asked to leave. As such, these families are in extreme crisis. As we pivot to meet the increased demand for family shelter, here are the best ways to help:
Financial gifts will be used to support hotels for families, transportation, day care needs, and food: https://www.familypromisegr.org/how-you-can-help/donate/
As this pandemic continues to evolve, we wanted to share an update on this important work:
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- We’re still here! We still are providing safe, family emergency shelter and basic needs to families with children experiencing homelessness. Although family emergency shelter looks different right now, it’s still very much needed. We have over 50 families in hotels, and are continuously reminded how extremely difficult it is to be going through this pandemic without a home. In addition to safe shelter, we’re providing families with basic needs; we’re connecting families to mainstream resources and we’re helping families move home. We are here, and we stand with our resilient families and children. Family Promise is the leader in providing family emergency shelter, and will continue to do this work during these unprecedented times.
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- We are planning for the worst and hoping for best. Family Promise is working closely with the state, county and local municipalities. Additionally, we are working with national agencies like the CDC, HUD, Institute for Children, Poverty and Homelessness to ensure that we are learning from other states and entities, utilizing evidence base practices so families and kids and staff are safe.
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- The outpouring of love and support from this amazing community is incredible. You have filled our families (and staff) with hope. Families have shared how relieved they are knowing that this community is here for them when they are in crisis. Thank you for the financial support, in-kind donations, prayers and words of encouragement. They are not lost on our families or FPGR team.
We appreciate your help as we work to be a good community partner and stop the spread of COVID-19! Communication is moving at a rapid speed. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly.
Stay healthy!
Kate O’Keefe
kate@familypromisegr.org
Director of Development and Community Engagement
Family Promise of Grand Rapids
516 Cherry Street S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Office: 616-475-5220
Direct Line: 616-608-8905
Cell: 616-485-4557
