Family Promise Sheds Light on Growing Family Homelessness Crisis

Family Promise, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to ending family homelessness, is raising awareness about this growing issue during Family Promise Week, happening from October 21st to 25th. Family Promise of Davie County will join nearly 200 affiliates across 43 states to participate in this nationwide effort aimed at bringing attention to the crisis and supporting families in need.

Family Homelessness: A Crisis Across America

Each year, more than 3 million children in the U.S. face homelessness. The impact on these children is profound: they are 8-9 times more likely to repeat a grade, three times more likely to be enrolled in special education programs, and seven times more likely to attempt suicide. Nearly half (42%) of these children will drop out of school, and 47% experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or withdrawal.

In the 2023-2024 academic year alone, Davie County Schools identified 124 students as homeless.

The reality of homelessness can hit faster than many people realize. A single missed paycheck, an unexpected expense, or a medical emergency can push families into crisis. Did you know that nearly half (49%) of Americans are unable to cover a $400 emergency expense? Furthermore, families represent 30% of the homeless population.

Even in states where the minimum wage is higher than the federal rate of $7.25, there isn’t a single state where a minimum-wage worker can afford a modest two-bedroom rental working a 40-hour week. In Davie County, the wage needed to afford a two-bedroom apartment at the average fair market rate is $21.35 per hour or $44,400 annually. Of all households in the county, 22% are burdened by housing costs, and among renters, 15.86% have faced eviction.

Family Promise is a community-based response to families experiencing homelessness. ​For the past seven years, Family Promise of Davie County has worked to help families attain sustainable independence through the provision of shelter, financial assistance, and case management.

Helping Families Rebuild

“Families come to us in crisis; we help them rebuild their lives with new skills and ongoing support,” said Lisa Reynolds, executive director of Family Promise of Davie County. “We provide prevention services before families reach crisis, shelter and case management if they become homeless, and stabilization programs once they have secured housing to ensure they remain independent.”

Family Promise of Davie County offers several key programs:

• Homelessness Prevention & Shelter Diversion – Emergency financial aid and support services help families stay housed and avoid entering shelters.
• Family Shelter – The shelter accommodates two families at a time for approximately 90 days. Families have private sleeping rooms and shared kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and living spaces. They receive assistance with housing searches, job skills training, education, and connections to community resources.
• Transitional Housing – Family Promise provides two two-bedroom homes for temporary housing, offering a critical step between homelessness and permanent housing. This program offers support, life skills training, education, and supervision.
• Stabilization Support – Families receive ongoing support and case management for at least a year after completing the program to ensure long-term success in housing, financial stability, and career development.

Since opening its doors in 2017, Family Promise of Davie County has helped more than 600 families, including over 900 children. The results are impactful, with 94% of families remaining housed one year after completing the program.

Addressing an Invisible Crisis

“Rural and family homelessness is often an invisible crisis. There is a huge need to provide shelter and resources for families experiencing housing insecurity in our community, and we cannot do it alone,” Reynolds explained. “Shelter is one of our basic human needs, and addressing the issue of family homelessness takes an entire community. We invite you to be part of the solution.”

How You Can Support Family Promise of Davie County

“Spreading awareness is something everyone can do—young or old. It doesn’t cost you anything and really makes a difference,” Reynolds emphasized.

Additionally, the public is invited to attend Family Promise’s annual fundraiser, “A Promise of Christmas,” on Saturday, November 23rd, from 6-9 p.m. at The Farm at Oak Hill. The event will feature a catered dinner by Honky Tonk Smokehouse, a beer and wine bar, a tacky Christmas sweater contest, and a live auction.

All proceeds will go towards supporting Family Promise’s mission to combat family homelessness. Tickets can be purchased at www.familypromisedc.org/christmas.

Family Promise is also seeking sponsors and auction items for the event. Those interested can contact Lisa Reynolds at lisa@familypromisedc.org for more details.To learn more about Family Promise of Davie County, donate, or volunteer, visit www.familypromisedc.org. You can also follow them on Facebook for updates and events.