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The Family Promise Five is a weekly update that focuses on the FIVE topics, issues, events, volunteer opportunities or needs of Family Promise Waukesha County. This communication will update, inform and advocate for families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Here is the Family Promise Five for February 16, 2024.
Our mission is to help low-income families and families experiencing homelessness achieve sustainable independence
through a community-based response.
The Family Promise Five for February 16 are:
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us”
- Unknown
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Thank you to Z and Sasha for sharing their stories for our Impact Night on Tuesday. This was an opportunity for a small group of supporters to hear how their generosity makes a difference.
Want to host an event? Contact Joe.
1. EMERGENCY OVERFLOW SHELTER TO CLOSE
Housing Action Coalition lacks funding for program
Mission
This winter, the Housing Action Coalition of Waukesha County partnered with Hebron Housing Services and Family Promise of Waukesha County to manage the Waukesha Emergency Overflow Shelter. Staff were recruited and trained to welcome guests starting November 15, 2023, with the shelter experiencing its highest occupancy rate following a major snowstorm and cold weather in January.
Initially planning to operate until the end of March, the Housing Action Coalition informed Hebron and Family Promise that funding constraints would force closure after March 1, 2024. Consequently, new intakes ceased on February 12, 2024, and efforts began to transition current shelter residents. Hebron and Family Promise promptly secured alternative temporary housing solutions for all Emergency Overflow Shelter guests. Therefore the shelter will close February 16.
A highlight this season is the swift response of Waukesha County, which opened a temporary warming sight during the cold snap and power outages throughout Waukesha. Their efforts ensured that many people sleeping outside and guests residing in shelters without power had a warm place to rest for a few days.
Despite the shortened season, the collaborative work of the Family Promise and Hebron teams was commendable in addressing the needs of unsheltered families and individuals in Waukesha. Appreciation is extended to community partners for referrals, volunteers for meal and supply contributions, and the Housing Action Coalition for their fundraising efforts to support shelter operating costs. Looking ahead to the next season, the collective efforts reinforce confidence in facing future challenges together.
2. Z's NEW HOME
Seeking Volunteers to help prepare Z’s House for Occupancy
Service
As the building of Z’s new home is complete there are three more steps for which we need your assistance. You can have a generational impact on Z and her daughter by helping her move from homelessness to homeownership.
CLEANING
February 22 - 8:30 am - 503 Saints Place, Waukesha
Help prepare Z’s home by cleaning all the dust and grime that accumulates during construction. We will be washing windows, window ledges, cleaning floors and walls, vacuuming and making sure that she is moving into a home that is spic and span. Hoping to have a crew of 6-8 people participate. Bring your favorite cleaning supplies or use those provided by Habitat for Humanity. Registration is necessary.
FRESH START FURNISHINGS - February 29
Fresh Start Furnishings is helping Z secure furniture for her new home. They are planning to help her move on February 29 and are seeking four additional volunteers. Join Denise’s crew in moving couches, setting up beds, arranging the kitchen and anything else that is needed.
3. STANDING ON SHOULDERS
Founding member shares his insights on 10 Years of service
Gratitude
Promise of Waukesha County would not be here today without all of those who helped start the organization. There is a wise saying, that we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. Meaning that we celebrate the achievements of our ancestors, their legacies, and how we continue to be connected to their work.
There are many upon whose shoulders Family Promise stands today. One of those is Denney Zenge, one of the founding members of Family Promise of Waukesha County. He provided memories and insights into the early days until now. We are grateful to all those who were involved in creating a foundation for Family Promise of Waukesha County.
Provide your stories, memories, and insights about your involvement with Family Promise over ten years: Answer any of all of the question on this form:
4. THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS
Allocate your choice dollars to Family Promise before March 31.
Volunteer/Donors
We are grateful to Thrivent members who have supported Family Promise of Waukesha County in the past. Now, Thrivent members have an opportunity to help families experiencing homelessness!
Thrivent clients with membership – you have unique opportunities to help us prevent families from losing their homes. Consider making a personal donation, leading a Thrivent Action Team or directing Thrivent Choice Dollars®. Go to Thrivent.com/generosity to learn more. All requests are to be made before March 31, 2024.
POLL OF THE WEEK
Our poll of the week is a short survey on donor commitment. Experts assert there are seven reasons why volunteers and donors support an organization. We thought we would take a moment to measure how we are doing. Could you complete this anonymous survey and rank us on how we are doing in each area?
POLL OF THE WEEK
5. FAMILY PROMISE FORUM
Join us for a “State of Family Promise” Conversation
Community
You are invited to a dialogue with Joe Nettesheim about Family Promise of Waukesha County. Learn about our accomplishments and challenges in 2023 and our hopes and dreams for 2024 and beyond.
There are two sessions available on March 6 -- at 12PM or 6PM. See the event page to register and for details.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Feb 19 Board of Trustees Meeting
March 5 Program Committee
March 6 FP Forum - 12:00 PM
March 6 FP Forum - 6:00 PM
April 11 Family Promise Giving Day
July 22 Golf Outing
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You can also join our Facebook volunteer group to learn about volunteer opportunities.
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