Volunteers are the heart of each Family Promise Affiliate. Our 180,000 dedicated volunteers help us provide emergency shelter, meals and other assistance to homeless families for about one-third the cost of traditional shelters. Family Promise keeps families together and provides them with a safe, supportive and home-like environment.
But our volunteers do so much more. They become a personal support system to homeless families in the network. They share contacts for jobs and housing, help write resumes and prepare for job interviews, donate clothing and furniture, and subsidize security deposits. These supportive relationships often continue after families leave the network. Because of the involvement and dedication of our volunteers, more than 75 percent of the families we have assisted have found permanent homes.
Family Promise has two constituencies. Families in need, to be sure, but we also present the opportunity for compassionate Americans to make a difference in their own communities. We offer a wide range of volunteer activities to fit varying schedules and levels of commitment. And our program allows families to volunteer together, from grandparents to young children.
“I feel blessed to be a part of the program. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know people and have come to realize that we have more in common than not. When you know people, eat with them, and hug them when they leave, it makes real the problems people face. Issues such as job loss, poverty, and homelessness become very personal.”
Volunteer Coordinator, Grand Rapids, MI
If you are interested in volunteering in your community, click on the button below for contact information on your local Affiliate.
- Volunteer at our Host Churches
Congregational volunteers are the heart of the Family Promise program. They provide hospitality, fellowship and friendship to guest families. Volunteers lead activities for adults and children, stay overnight, drive the van, and prepare and serve the evening meal. Contact Family Promise for information on how to volunteer at a partner church. - Volunteer Your Talent
Put your special skills to use by teaching classes in parenting, budgeting, nutrition, computer skills, or anything else you can dream up! Or, provide free professional services such as haircuts, automotive repair, legal consultation, medical treatment, etc. for our guests. - Volunteer with Children
Join our corps of volunteers who provide childcare at the Day Center for guest families. This allows parents to go to approved appointments throughout the day. Or, choose to lead an “edutainment” program for children of all ages, read to our young guests, or help kids with homework. - Volunteer as a Family Mentor
Mentors build committed, trusting relationships with successful Family Promise families. They listen, offer understanding and respect, help families overcome challenges and disappointments, and celebrate successes. Mentors are asked to make a one-year commitment and to offer 1-2 hours of their time each week. - Volunteer to Provide Transportation
Family Promise guests need to get to job interviews, medical appointments, from work to the host church, and to and from any other approved appointments. Public transportation is not always available, so we depend on a list of driver volunteers. - Volunteer to Move Furniture
Help us pick up furniture donations for our Home Again Program and help move Family Promise guests into their new homes. These services allow guests to start out on the right foot and allow volunteers to be a part of a joyful occasion and to see the result of our mission. - Volunteer Your Home Repair Skills
Our Day Centers serve as the base of operations for families as they try to get back on their feet. Keeping these houses in good repair is important to providing a stable environment. We are always seeking volunteers who can do light maintenance and repair work at our Day Centers. - Volunteer Your Leadership
Family Promise of Southwestern Pennsylvania has several opportunities for volunteers to serve on our committees. Choose the committee where your knowledge and skills fit best: Fund Development, Volunteer & Public Relations, Nominating & Personnel, Finance & Legal, and Programs & Facilities. - Volunteer to Bring Family Promise to Your Congregation
Be the person who brings this wonderful ministry into your church! Every partner church needs a passionate Coordinator to lead their church’s contribution to our ministry. Contact us to learn how your congregation can host or support Family Promise guests.