Transcript FAMILY PROMISE a community response for homeless families

A community response for
homeless families
Part 1
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Family Promise
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Interfaith Hospitality Network
Just Neighbors
Family Mentoring
Interfaith Advocacy Program
Community Initiatives
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Interfaith Hospitality
Network
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National Program
Summit, New Jersey
I25,000 Volunteers
4,800 Congregations
Over 150 Networks
40+ States
Point of Light Award from the President
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Our Mission
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Helping homeless
families regain their
independence.
Providing congregations
mission opportunities.
Creating initiatives that
serve community needs.
Volunteer opportunities
for people of all ages.
Advocating for the
homeless.
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The Interfaith Hospitality
Network
Helping homeless families regain
their independence.
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The IHN program
accomplishes this by:
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Mobilization and cooperation of
community resources to provide
shelter, meals and assistance
through use of:
Congregational facilities for overnight
accommodations.
Caring volunteers to staff the
congregations and offer their
hospitality to families in need.
Existing facility for day center.
Social service agencies for screening
and referrals.
A Network Director for case
management, family advocacy,
liaison to agencies, etc.
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The host congregation helps by
providing:
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“Hospitality.”
Safe, homelike
accommodations.
Healthy, home-cooked
meals.
Friendly support.
A place where guests
can maintain their
dignity.
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The Interfaith Hospitality
Network
Three Guiding Principles for
operating a successful network:
 Flexibility
 Communication
 Teamwork!
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The Network’s Guests
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The Network Director provides an overview of
the guests that volunteers will meet in their
congregations. Each Network takes:
3-5 families at a time (up to 14 people).
No single men.
No persons with an active substance abuse
problem, serious untreated mental illness, or
risk of domestic violence.
All have criminal background checks
completed before entering the network.
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The Network’s Guests
Guests are:
 Single mothers with
children.
 Single expectant
mother.
 Two-parent families.
 Single fathers with
children.
 Employed but cannot
afford a home on the
wages they earn, or
unemployed.
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The Network’s Guests
The reasons for homelessness vary from family to
family. The root cause is the lack of affordable
housing that meets the needs of low-in come
people.
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The Network’s Guests
Precipitating causes may include:
 Loss of job.
 Divorce/separation.
 Family violence.
 Major illness.
 Other family problems.
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The Network Components
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Day Center
Network Director
Transportation
Overnight Accommodations
Support from Volunteers
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Day Center
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Where is it?
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Address: 2104 St. James Church
Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
Phone: 302-998-2222
Email: [email protected]
 How is it staffed?
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Director, Office Volunteers
What services are provided?
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Laundry, showers, telephone,
address, computer, case
management
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Network Director
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Manager of the Network.
The one to call with questions.
Liaison to social service agencies.
Case manager for Network families.
Employed by the Network’s Board of
Trustees.
Tamikah Gowans:
[email protected]
302-998-2222
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Transportation
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15 passenger Network van
Guests’ cars
Public transportation
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Host Congregations
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Who are they?
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Grace Lutheran
St. Mark’s UMC
Westminster Presbyterian
Hockessin Baptist
St. Philip’s Lutheran
Hockessin UMC
White Clay Creek Presbyterian
 St. James Mill Creek Episcopal
 Limestone Presbyterian
 Good Shepherd Lutheran
 Aldersgate UMC
 Congregation 12
 Congregation 13
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How many?
 Need 13 for full rotation
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The Congregation’s
Accommodations
Hospitality Areas
 Kitchen (cooking and serving areas)
 Dining Area
 Lounge Area
 Sleeping Areas
 Storage Areas (for linens, kitchen staples, etc.)
 Any other area
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Playroom?
Study or quiet area?
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The Congregation’s
Accommodations
Facility Issues
 Security, night lock-up
 Emergency exits
 Fire extinguishers
 Laundry*
 Telephone use
 Housekeeping chores
 Kitchen use
*Most congregations do not have laundry facilities.
 Other
The guests do their laundry at the Day Center.
Congregations will launder bedding, etc. between
host weeks. If they do, set policies for use.
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Support Congregations
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Who are they?
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St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Church
St. Stephen’s Lutheran
Trinity Community Church
What do they do?
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Support a host congregation
Work at the Day Center
Drive the Van
Whatever else is needed!
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The Network Committee
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Meets regularly (quarterly?) to share
information and discuss concerns.
Works on Network-wide problem or needs.
Helps to foster community and hospitality
from congregation to congregation.
Congregational Coordinator is
[email protected]
But Tamikah runs the show!
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Partnering Agencies
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Who are they?
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DHR, FEMA, MHA, CSS, Churches,
Food Banks, 211 Connect,
Pregnancy Centers, MPS
What services do they provide?
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Referrals, Financial assistance,
Section VIII vouchers
Clothing, Parenting/Budgeting
classes
Transportation, Furniture, Jobs, Child
care
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Workshop - Budgeting
See Handout
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BREAK
15 minutes
Visit the Guest Room
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A community response for
homeless families
Part 2: At the Host Congregations
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The Network Director
outlines the recommended
hosting shifts:
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Evening (5:30 – 8:30 PM), 2 volunteers.
Meal prepared and ready to serve between 6:00 and 6:30
pm.
Overnight (8:30 pm – 7:00* am), 2 volunteers (one male,
one female).
Breakfast* (if different from overnight, 6 – 7:30 am), 1 – 2
volunteers.
* Morning times will depend on when children need to catch their busses.
Times will be communicated and should only change when a new family
is added or completes the program.
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Staffing The Network:
Roles and Responsibilities
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Primary Coordinator(s)
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Manager of congregation’s program.
Available to volunteers to answer questions, discuss
concerns.
Involved in planning and implementation of orientation
program, for congregation’s volunteer hosts.
Greets the guest(s) on Sunday.
The person to call in an emergency or with a problem.
Determines scheduling needs, along with assistant
coordinators.
Serves on Network Committee.
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Assistant Coordinators
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Host Coordinator
Makes schedule, ensures that shifts are covered.
Serves as alternate to Primary Coordinator on Network
Committee
Meal Coordinator
1. Schedules volunteers to prepare dinners.
2. Ensures that meals are nutritious, balanced and not
duplicated during the week.
Supply Coordinator
1. In charge of keeping supplies and staples stocked.
Activities Coordinator
1. Plans special activities for children and adults.
2. Ensures that there is an adequate supply of games/toys.
Donations Coordinator
1. Coordinates donations to guest families (clothing, furniture,
household goods, financial help).
Transportation Coordinator – Van Drivers
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Volunteer Hosts
The Primary Coordinator discusses the role and
responsibilities of volunteer hosts.
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Key Points About Volunteers
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What makes Family Promise (FP) different from shelters
and other services for the homeless is THE
VOLUNTEERS.
FP is staffed almost exclusively by volunteers.
FP volunteers offer their own congregations as places
where homeless families receive respite from their
struggle to attain self sufficiency.
Volunteers put the “hospitality” in Interfaith Hospitality
Networks by providing kindness, acceptance, and
warmth.
Volunteers can develop relationships with guests that help
them in their efforts to solve their problems and regain
independence.
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What Volunteers
Do in the Network
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Serve as hosts: Welcome guests,
answer questions, assist with
guests’ day-to-day needs, play
with children, help with homework,
share a meal, etc.
Prepare meals: These volunteers
may be the evening hosts on the
night they bring dinner, or they
may choose to drop off the meal
they have prepared at home for
the evening volunteers to serve.
Serve as Coordinators (as
described above).
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The Role of Volunteers
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The role of volunteers is to create a homelike
atmosphere where guests can receive what they need
most: rest, rejuvenation, hope, respect, self-esteem,
confidence boosting, a sense of control in their lives.
The Network should be a place where guests are free
from personal questions or comments that undermine
their confidence or increase their burden or guilt.
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Other Things Volunteers
Can Do
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The exciting thing about the Network program, is that
once volunteers get involved with homeless families
on a personal basis, they often wish to do more.
Volunteers, in conjunction with Coordinators and the
Network Director, may get involved in some of the
following ways:
Act as advocates for individual guests by assisting
them in their search for housing, employment and/or
training.
Work on behalf of homeless people in general (i.e.,
legislatively, working with low-income housing groups,
etc.).
Assist the Network with other ongoing needs such as
fundraising, public relations, newsletters, etc.
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Characteristics of
Volunteers Are
An open and caring attitude is
the most important attribute of
a good volunteer. Volunteers
can be a helping force in a
guest’s life if they approach
the job with respect and
compassion for their guests.
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Policies and Procedures
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General
Family behavior
Housekeeping
Dismissal
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Host Staffing
Minimum of two, maximum
of four hosts on duty (more
than four hosts is too
many and becomes
overwhelming).
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“Safe Sanctuaries”
This is not a requirement of FP, but most
UMC churches practice this and it is
good general practice.
Volunteer Background Checks (go to
United Methodist Church Web site and
poke around – LOTS of info.)
Two adult rule: 2 non-related adults or one
with an open door and “floater” walking
around.
Open doors or windows in doors: Keep
doors open when hosts and guests are
together.
No need for volunteers in the guest
rooms, unless invited.
Knock before entering a closed guest
room door.
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Procedures for Network
Guests
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Guests sign a set of guidelines upon entering the
Network. (Will be forwarded when final)
Volunteers should be familiar with guidelines.
Guidelines should be posted.
These guidelines are the key ground rules;
guests can be asked to leave the program if they
do not abide by them.
If a guest disregards a guideline: report to
Coordinator and/or Network Director as soon as
possible.
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Logbook
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Communication link between volunteers, Coordinators, the
Network Director and other congregations.
Record only factual information, not opinions.
Do record an impression of an activity if it will be helpful for
other volunteers, i.e., “children really enjoyed making cookies
with volunteer.”
Logbook MUST be kept in secure place; it may contain
confidential information and should never be accessible to
guests or other individuals using the congregation’s facility.
After the host week, the Primary Coordinator shares pertinent
information in the logbook with the Primary Coordinator at the
next host congregation.
The log book is NOT a “sign-in/sign-out” book. Guests should
either let hosts know their whereabouts or sign-in/sign-out on
a sheet of paper that is not part of the logbook.
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Guestbook Plus
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Local and optional
Welcome notes from Pastor and congregation
Rules for local church*
Map of local church*
Any area resources (library with computers?)
Blank pages for guests to write in
Welcome bags for individuals (optional)
Folder with rules & map for each family (optional)
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Meal Preparation
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The Meal Coordinator addresses the
following:
Organizes volunteers to provide
healthy, nutritionally-balanced meals.
Food for the evening meal is usually
prepared in the volunteers’ homes and
brought to the congregation for serving.
Evening hosts dine with guests
(evening hosts may or may not have
been the volunteers who prepared the
meal). “Meat and potatoes” types of
meals generally work best; avoid fancy
cooking and one-dish kinds of
casseroles/meals.
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Meal Preparation, cont’d
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Bag lunches are prepared by the guests during the evening (the
Meal and Supply Coordinators may work jointly to ensure that
lunch meats, cheese, peanut butter and jelly, bread, fruit, juice
boxes, etc. remain stocked during host week).
Breakfasts are relatively simple, usually uncooked (i.e., cereal,
toast, muffins, frozen waffles, coffee/tea, juice, milk).
Weekend food may be more elaborate (such as pancakes or
eggs for breakfast) or more casual (such as a hot dog and
hamburger cookout for dinner), etc.
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Meal Preparation, cont’d
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If you have cooks who
can accommodate special
requests, Coordinators
may wish to ask their
guests early in the week
what meal they would
particularly enjoy and try
to accommodate their
requests.
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Housekeeping
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Encourage guests to share in housekeeping
duties (most guests will want to help.)
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Recreational Events and
Activities
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Games and activities may
be organized for children on
a regular basis but should
be kept simple, especially
during the week.
Activities Coordinator (if
applicable) organizes
weekend trips, etc.
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Weekend Activities
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Note: Beginning in May,
Host Congregations will be
responsible to cover
weekend days at the Day
Center after their host
week.
Might take the opportunity
to plan an outing or movie
day or something.
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Donations
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Donations of furniture, household goods and clothes (unless
of immediate need) should be held until family is settled in
permanent housing.
Donations Coordinator (if applicable) organizes donations and
ensures that some families are not favored over others with
material gifts.
Any financials gifts to guests should be coordinated with the
Network Director to ensure that they are wisely directed.
All Donations should be made to the Network, which will then
give it to the targeted guest; this is the only way to secure a
legal tax deduction.
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Medications and Medical
Needs
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All medications MUST be stored securely; each
family gets a personal, child-proof lock box for
their medications.
Clearly labeled lock boxes may be stored in the
refrigerator for those medications requiring
refrigeration.
Do not recommend medicines; give guests their
options and let them make their own decisions.
An on-call physician/nurse should be available at
all times; number should be listed on emergency
form, near phone(s).
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Medical Emergencies
The Coordinator gives volunteers the information
to fill in on the Emergency Procedures form in
their manuals and states where the form will be
posted in the congregation.
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Emergency Procedures form MUST be posted by
all phones.
Follow steps listed on Emergency Procedures
form.
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Parenting Issues
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There are a number of issues
related to parenting. The two
main issues are:
The right (and responsibility)
of guests to parent their own
children; and
In rare circumstances, the
need for volunteers to protect
a child if his/her safety is
endangered.
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Parenting Issues
Volunteers should not intervene or
contradict a guest’s instructions to his
or her children. The parent’s right to
parent must be respected.
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The KEY POINTS are:
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Parents are responsible for their children.
Always ask permission before giving things to children or
engaging them in an activity.
If a parent is having trouble, offer to assist.
If child abuse or neglect is observed or suspected,
volunteer MUST immediately contact Network Director or
the person on call for guidance and appropriate referral. If
child is in immediate danger of being hurt, volunteers
should first call the police.
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Conduct and Discipline
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Everyone is expected to
behave in a courteous and
respectful manner.
Immediately report any
behavior of an abusive nature
to the Coordinator and Network
Director.
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Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs
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No smoking is permitted in the building. There
should be a designated smoking area outside.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited.
Volunteers should NOT confront guests who are
under the influence. They should notify the
Coordinator and Network Director as soon as
possible.
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Spiritual Nurturing
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Volunteers may be
tempted to share
religious beliefs with
guests. However, it is
inappropriate, unless the
guest specifically asks.
Inviting guests to attend
services is fine, but do
not push.
Provide transportation as
necessary if guests are
interested in attending
services.
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Confidentiality
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Do not discuss any information about
guests with others.
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Bringing Children to
Volunteer at the Network
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The IHN brochure, “Mommy, why
don’t they have a home?” offers
suggestions and guidelines to
volunteers who would like their
children to accompany them during
their volunteer shifts.
Volunteers should receive a copy
of the brochure with their handout.
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The KEY POINTS are:
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Think about children’s participation before
bringing them to the Network. Determine what
they will do while they are there (play with guests’
children, help with clean-up, etc.) so that they
have a role and are not just standing around.
Parents should:
1. Prepare children beforehand by providing age
appropriate information about the program; and
2. Follow up by giving children the time and
attention they may need to discuss their Network
experience.
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Policies and Procedures
Summary
The Key Points are:
 Use your best judgment.
 Use common sense.
 Discuss things with other
volunteers on duty.
 Call Coordinator for guidance.
 Call Network Director.
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The Hospitality Code
1.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
It’s nice to hear your name.
Labeling people creates invisible barriers.
Personal questions can be tough to answer.
Never assume that a guest can’t hear you.
Everyone can use a little privacy.
Sometimes we need to spend time alone.
We all have bad days.
We understand and care for our children.
Parents need a break.
Adult guests should be treated like adults.
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Wish List:
Create your own
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Love seat
Floor Lamps
Changing Table
Computer
Portable Crib
TV , VCR, DVD
Baby bath tub
Area rug
Book Case
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“Final” Checklist
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Gather as a church team and discuss
your notes.
What remains to be done before hosting?
Create checklist with task and responsible
person and timing.
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Thank You for Coming!
Drive Safely!
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FP NNCC Training Schedule
(Draft 1)
Church
First Host Date
Training Date Training Location
Church Coordinator
Phone
Grace Lutheran
Nancy Goyda
Denise Lawton, Patti
Weaver
[email protected]
302-235-7112
[email protected],we
[email protected]
999-8581, 999-7457
Wesminster
Wesminster
Theo & Janet Krapels
Ken Nicholson
[email protected],krapelstg@verizo
n.net
588-2750
[email protected]
559-2721
Grace Lutheran
7-Mar
11-Feb
Grace Lutheran
St. Mark's UMC
14-Mar
11-Feb
Westminster Presbyterian
St. Steven's Lutheran (S)
21-Mar
21-Mar
1-Mar
1-Mar
Hockessin Baptist
28-Mar
8-Mar
Hockessin UMC
11-Apr
8-Mar
Mark and Lynette
Hockessin Baptist Russell
Kymm Hockman &
Hockessin Baptist Denny Barrowclough
St Philips Lutheran
4-Apr
15-Mar
St. Philips Lutheran Brandon Zinnato
Limestone Presbyterian
2-May
15-Mar
St. John The Beloved (S)
2-May
15-Mar
St. Philips Lutheran Jennifer & Marty Miller
Sr. Kathleen
Ruszkowski, Francis
St. Philips Lutheran Linker
White Clay Creek Presbyterian
18-Apr
22-Mar
St. James Episcopal Mill Creek
25-Apr
22-Mar
Andy Clark, Bev
White Clay Creek McFarland
Jennifer Idell, Allison
White Clay Creek Jessup
Good Sheppherd Lutheran
Aldersgate UMC
9-May
23-May
12-Apr
12-Apr
Good Sheppherd
Good Sheppherd
3 April (Day Center)
TBD - Kymm
will do on a
Sunday
Trinity after church
Trinity Community Church (S)
email
[email protected]
530-0217
[email protected],
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected],
[email protected]
229-6032
[email protected]
K-994-7867,F-994-1251
[email protected],
[email protected]
[email protected],
[email protected]
Ralph and Lee Klesius [email protected]
? Pastor Beverly Lewis [email protected]
Mark Sipala, Hollis
Jones
[email protected],
[email protected]
610-295-3679, 610-554-5295
A-275-7957, B-455-1615
J-584-1007,A-234-0395
610-274-1646
h-477-6902, o-478-2575
M-545-6740, H-507-1360