Get Involved
01
Be an advocate
Fighting homelessness starts with understanding its root causes.
02
give time
Although there is a small paid staff at Fort Bend Family Promise, volunteers are an essential part of the program. The possibilities are endless.
03
donate
Each dollar donated to Family Promise is matched by more than $3 of in-kind goods and services, so you can feel confident your contribution will make a big impact.
Learn about homelessness
Become an Advocate
A parent loses her job, an injury results in a father being unable to work, a family breaks up, a parent become ill, a vehicle breaks down. Healthcare costs are on the rise, public transportation is underfunded and affordable housing is almost impossible to find.
These are the reasons why families are homeless, making up 40% of the homeless population. In response to this crisis, Fort Bend Family Promise (along with about 180 affiliated programs nationwide) brings the inter-faith community together to help families regain housing, independence and dignity.
Family Promise provides families in need with safe shelter, meals and support. We help empower families to eliminate barriers, achieve employment, transportation, healthcare and housing. More than 80% of our families successfully obtain safe, secure housing and maintain it two years after graduation.
To volunteer give us a call at 281-403-3923
Give Time
Although there is a small paid staff at Fort Bend Family Promise, volunteers are an essential part of the program. The possibilities are endless.
we aren't afraid of trying new things
Be part of something great
Day Center Volunteers
Some of the areas where we can use volunteer help are administrative support, children’s activities, maintenance, cleaning and leading adult classes (such as nutrition, job development, computer skills, parenting).
Congregation Volunteers
Each and every one of our network congregations needs volunteer to help set up/tear down; cook or provide meals; serve as overnight hosts; spread the word about Family Promise; coordinate fun family activities and more. If your church is one of our host or support congregations, please contact the church office to get involved. A list of our congregations may be found under the About Us tab. If your church is not currently involved, contact the Fort Bend Family Promise office for information on how to become a host or supporting congregation.
Volunteer as a Family
Family Promise is a very family-friendly volunteer opportunity! Help out at a special event, make and serve a dinner as a family or have a “sleep over” with your kids at your congregation. There are many safe and fun ways to engage your children in volunteering for Family Promise and learning about how we can help end family homelessness.
We can always use volunteers for:
- Mentoring Graduating Families – help the family maintain self-sufficiency
- Housewarming – gather supplies and help a family move into their new home
- Adopting Families for the Holidays
- Collecting Birthday Gifts & Supplies for the Kids
- Special Event Planning & Assistance
- Graphic Design & Photography
- Repairing Client Automobiles
- Yard Maintenance & Gardening
- Day Center Support
- Running Errands
Make a Donation
Family Promise maintains low operating costs, but still relies on the generosity of local individuals, service clubs, businesses and congregations for support. Each dollar donated is matched by more than $3 of in-kind goods and services, so you can feel confident your contribution will make a big impact. With your gift, we will help low-income families attain self-sufficiency, educate communities about the underlying causes of family homelessness and train volunteers to advocate for low-income families.
Can You Help with One of These Needs?
In-Kind Services & Materials
Do you own or manage a business? FBFP may benefit from in-kind contributions such as copying, printing, food, vehicle repair, transportation, marketing assistance, computer equipment and assistance, furniture, electrical work, building materials, plumbing supplies, etc.
Job Opportunities
Encourage your company, school, or place of worship to hire participants in the Fort Bend Family Promise program, if they are not already working. Family Guests in the program desperately want to work, but may need an employer to give them a chance.
Computers
Many non-profit organizations have a difficult time purchasing expensive, but essential, equipment such as computers or laptops. If you have a computer you no longer need, Fort Bend Family Promise would greatly appreciate the donation. Family Guests would also appreciate the donation of computers for their personal use once they transition to permanent housing.
Books/Video Games
Families experiencing homelessness may have limited access to a library or video games for entertainment and learning. Fort Bend Family Promise would appreciate donations of books and video games. Call Fort Bend Family Promise at 281-403-3923 to find out what is really needed. Consider organizing a book/video game drive to create a small library at the programs Day Center.
Day Center Needs
Our program is always looking for helpful items to support our families. Some of these can be donated through our online donation options. Others can be dropped off at our Day Center. Helpful items include:
- Gas cards to help transport our families to job interviews and appointments
- Laundry supplies, including detergent, bleach, dryer sheets
- Toilet paper, paper towels and tissues
- Diapers and baby wipes
- Shampoo/conditioner/lotion
- Feminine items
- Dental hygiene items
- Socks
- Underwear/t-shirts for men/boys
- Cleaning supplies for kitchen
The Day Center also provides items for families that are not donated and need to be purchased at local businesses, so the donation of gift cards (Target, WalMart, Kohl’s, JCPenney, fast food, grocery stores, etc.) helps Family Promise provide much needed items to our families!
Housewarming Starter Kits
When a family graduates from the program, they generally need to fill their new home. Fort Bend Family Promise collects donated furniture and household items to create “Housewarming Starter Kits” which we store until a family graduates. The following is a list of items that can help a family sustain their permanent housing:
- TVs
- Dishes & glasses
- Pots, pans, and cookware
- Eating and cooking utensils
- Small kitchen appliances
- Bath towels, shower curtains
- Rugs
- Cleaning supplies
- Trash cans
- Storage containers