Family Promise of Lorain County

The Lorain County Family Promise IHN program utilizes a cost-efficient and effective community response to the local declining housing situation. We strive to provide a way to house families who are experiencing homelessness by uniting 5 distinct components:
host congregations
volunteers
social service agencies
a day center and transportation
Guests in the program are Moms, Dads, or couples with children.
During the day, guest families stay at a day center. While there the Network Director, who manages all components of the program, works intensively with the families as they seek childcare, housing, jobs, and other needed resources.
At night, guest families stay at a host congregation which provides shelter, meals, and support.
Volunteers prepare meals, provide supplies, host evening activities, sleep overnight, staff the day center, and most importantly provide human compassion.
A Network van is available to transport guests between host congregations and the day center; children are transported to their schools of origin, providing for continuity in their education during a time of instability.

The Guest Guidelines call for a maximum stay of 30 days. However, Network Directors often extend the stay as long as the family is making good-faith efforts to secure housing. For this reason families typically stay for 60 days or more.

There is no cost to join the Network. The cost for hosting is about $200 per year, based on minor supply needs. Members of the congregation and local businesses often donate the necessary supplies.