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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 March 1, 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 March 1 are:
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY!
March 1 is Employee Appreciation Day. We are filled with gratitude for Courtney, Joe, Kate, Kelly, Lisa, Maria, Shayla and Tim. They serve families experiencing homelessness with compassion and dedication
How will you participate in the Family Promise Forum?
1. A STORY OF TWO FAMILIES
Why does one family secure housing while the other cannot
Accompaniment/Community
There were two families who entered our shelter program at about the same time. One family was able to secure housing while the other was not. It is difficult to celebrate the success of one family while knowing of the challenges facing the other. It also makes one ask, "What is the difference in their situation?" While this is an oversimplified synopsis, here are three reasons that are contributing factors to why one family found housing and the other has not.
Evictions
The family who secured housing did not have an eviction on their record. Until recently evictions remained on one's record for twenty years. A ruling by the Wisconsin State Supreme Court determined that evictions are removed after two years. What makes it more difficult is if the eviction is still open. When a landlord sees an eviction, they are unlikely to give the family a second chance especially with the large number of renters seeking housing.
How does Family Promise help? Our prevention program helps families before they lose their home. We also work to build relationships and trust with landlords so that if they accept a family they know that we will not let them down.
Debt
The family who is unable to find housing has significant debt. When that money is owed to a previous landlord, it is unlikely a second landlord is willing to take a chance on that family.
How does Family Promise help? Eliminating debt is challenging. If we can pay back rent we try to do that or if we can mediate a settlement between a landlord and tenant we try to have the eviction removed from their record.
Housing Availability
The family who secured housing did so in Milwaukee. There are just more options for affordable housing in Milwaukee. Living in Milwaukee may not be the goal of the family, nor does it guarantee that it meets the family's needs, but often it is the most likely place they can find an affordable home.
How does Family Promise help? We advocate for affordable housing and increased wages as much as possible. We hope including volunteers is a way to change a Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) mentality. Landlord relationships is also helpful.
Conclusion
There simply needs to be a commitment in all of our communities to affordable housing. This is best for low-income families, and it is best for our community. The families we serve, work in factories, hospitals, and schools in our county. They are a significant reason why Waukesha thrives. It is disappointing when communities take steps to limit the number of multi-family housing options. Even if those units are not designated as affordable housing, they eliminate the log jam for housing and can open up options for everyone. bring down rent.
2. FAMILY PROMISE FORUM
Discuss the State of Family Promise Waukesha
Community
You are invited to the Family Promise Forum, an opportunity to meet with Executive Director Joe Nettesheim on March 6 to discuss the current state of affairs of Family Promise of Waukesha County. Items to be discussed will be:
2023 year in review
Realities facing low-income families
Financial strength
Plans for 2024
Opportunities and challenges
10 Year Anniversary
Q + A
There are two sessions this Wednesday, March 6. Join us at noon or 6pm.
POLL OF THE WEEK
How will you participate in the Family Promise Forum?
0%I will join on March 6 at noon in person
0%I will join March 6 at noon online
0%I will join March 6 at 6pm in person
0%I will join March 6 at 6pm online
3. DON'T CALL IT COUCH SURFING
An audio essay about families living doubled up
Accompaniment
This audio essay, For This Family, It’s Not ‘Couch Surfing’, It’s Homelessness by New York Times reporter Linda Villarosa, profiles a family living doubled up. Last week we shared with you a New York Times article, A Life Without a Home, that profiled the variety of ways people experience homelessness. One of the families interviewed was a client of Family Promise of Waukesha County. This week we hear the story of one family who is living doubled up in their own words. We share this story as it shines a light on the challenges of living doubled up and the limitations of the definition of what it means to be homeless.
About a third of the families who are served at Family Promise of Waukesha County came to us after being doubled up. 21 of 27 families were experiencing homelessness for the first time.
4. FROM HOMELESSNESS TO HOME: YOU ARE THE KEY
Golf Outing Sponsorships are now available
Action/volunteer/donate
Become a sponsor of the Family Promise of Waukesha County golf outing. The outing will be held on Monday, July 22 at the Oconomowoc Golf Club. The theme is From Homelessness to Home: You are the Key. This theme reflects the importance of a community response to families experiencing homelessness in our community. Homelessness is a complicated issue and will need all of us to address it. Those interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to respond by March 15, 2024 so that we will be able to promote your involvement throughout the registration process.
Check out the sponsorship levels and benefits and then click the link to sign up to sponsor.
5. APARTMENT SHELTER WISH LIST
Help renew our ASP supplies
The Apartment Shelter Program has been in operation since 2020. Over these four years we have increased our program to five apartments serving 36 families. 59% of these families secured permanent housing. 87% of those families did not return to any shelter.
Action
After four years and significant wear and tear, it is time to renew the items that are used on a daily basis. Help keep this successful program going strong by providing some new supplies to be used in the Apartment Shelter Program. Could you review the Amazon wishlist and donate some of the items?
Our needs range from shower curtains to pizza cutters to high chairs. Items can be purchased directly from our wishlist and sent to our Day Center 139 E North Street Waukesha WI 53188. Thank you in advance for your support!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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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