Ending Homelessness One Family at a time!

Q: What is Family Promise of Pinellas County Inc. (FPPC)?

A: Family Promise of Pinellas County is a non-profit public charity that provides temporary housing and case management to families with minor children who are experiencing homelessness, with a goal of sustainability in a long-term home.

Q: What makes Family Promise special?

A: Family Promise is special for several reasons!

· The Family stays together at FPPC, rather than being separated when entering a homeless shelter. It increases stability for the family, as well as provides support through staff and volunteers.

· Partnerships with local congregations make up our Interfaith Hospitality Network, which provide overnight accommodations, meals and volunteer support for our program. With over 1200 trained volunteers from local congregations and community organizations, FPPC has a lot of support from community members from all walks of life and professions helping our mission.

· The FPPC Case Management program is more comprehensive than any other program focused on helping homeless families. This guidance is one of the reasons that 76% of families that come into our program move into a home directly from our program!

Q: How does FPPC provide temporary housing/shelter?

A: FPPC partners with over 20 area congregations to comprise our Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). Volunteers provide meals and support to up to 14 individuals at a time (or 4 families). Family bedrooms are set up within our Host Congregations’ facilities, so a homelike atmosphere is created. Volunteers from our Host and Support Congregations provide volunteers and meals each evening to support our families with love, compassion and fellowship.

Q: What does “Case Management” mean?

A: Case Management blends assessment of needs and coordination of services, mixed with empathy and respect for our families, in order to empower out guest to move from homelessness to permanent housing. FPPC staff work continually with our families to provide direction and accountability for their case management plans. The goal is for our families to move into a home with income and a budget to support the family as they continue their path to success. After a family “Graduates” into their home, Case Management is offered for ongoing support to continue the positive growth and development of the family structure of well-being.

Q:Who can be in the Family Promise program?

A: Family Promise accepts children and their families; however they define themselves as a family, who are experiencing homelessness. This can be two-parent or single-parent families, or even a grandparent

who has legal custody of their grandchildren. Families must be willing to participate in case management and live in a family environment supervised by staff and/or volunteers.

Q: How does a family in need get into the FPPC Program?

A: We receive referrals from 211, local congregations, Pinellas County HEAT, community centers, other social service agencies, community members and self-referrals. To enter the FPPC program a potential “Guest” must call our main phone line to complete an Initial Phone interview.

Q: Is Family Promise a National Program?

A: Yes, there are over 206 affiliates nationally, although, each one operates independently. Affiliates do share best practices and have access to guidance from the national Family Promise organization.

Q: How can I help or get involved with Family Promise of Pinellas County?

A: FPPC is always looking for new volunteers, community partners and financial support!

To Volunteer: The first step is to take volunteer training. Each training is approximately 2 hours. To see a current list of volunteer training opportunities, please visit our website for details.

To become a Host or Support Congregation: Please contact Denis Sousa, Executive Director for more detail (727) 201-9571 x101 or director@fppinellas.org

To Donate:

*** Visit our website for online donation options or mail checks to Family Promise at the address below.

***In-Kind donations are accepted at our Day Center Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.