Family homelessness doesn’t always look the way people expect.
It can be a family staying temporarily with relatives because they can no longer afford their rent. A parent trying to decide which bill can wait until the next paycheck. Or a family suddenly facing the possibility of having nowhere to go.
For a growing number of Davie County families, those situations are very real.
Already this year, Family Promise of Davie County has received 317 inquiries from families seeking some type of assistance.
During Family Promise Week, October 5-9, the organization hopes to raise awareness of those families, the challenges they face, and the resources available to help them find—and keep—safe, stable housing.
“Stable housing plays a critical role in a child’s ability to thrive,” said Stephanie Chandler, executive director of Family Promise of Davie County. “Children experiencing housing instability are more likely to face health challenges, developmental delays, disruptions in school, and chronic absenteeism. Safe, stable housing is not simply a basic need, it is a foundation for a child’s long-term well-being and success.”
Nine Years of Helping Davie County Families
Since 2017, the organization has served more than 700 families and more than 1,300 children. Even more encouraging, 90% of the families served remain stably housed one year after receiving services.
The goal isn’t simply to help a family through today’s emergency. Through prevention services, emergency shelter, case management, transitional housing and long-term stabilization programs, Family Promise works with families to address the circumstances that created the housing crisis and help them build a more stable future.
One former participant, Ashley, shared just how much that support meant to her family.
“We weren’t there long, but you helped us when we needed it, and now I’m in a place where I can give back,” she said. “I have a great job and am closing on a house next week. Your help will never be forgotten.”
A Community Effort
As Family Promise approaches its 10th anniversary, Chandler says its success belongs to far more than the organization itself.
“As Family Promise of Davie County approaches 10 years of service, we reflect on the meaningful impact we’ve made for families facing housing crises in our community,” Chandler said. “Since opening our doors, we have remained committed to preventing homelessness whenever possible and, when crisis does occur, providing temporary shelter, transitional housing, and ongoing support to help families regain stability.”
That work, she added, wouldn’t be possible without Davie County’s support.
“Our success is rooted in the strength of our community. Individual donors, local businesses, volunteers, and faith partners all play a vital role in making this work possible. Family Promise is truly a community-driven effort, and we would not be where we are today without the generosity and commitment of Davie County.”
Mocksville Proclaims October 5-9 Family Promise Week
The Town of Mocksville is helping bring attention to the issue by officially recognizing October 5-9 as Family Promise Week.
In his proclamation, Mocksville Mayor Will Marklin recognized Family Promise’s nine years of service and its impact on hundreds of local families and urged citizens to help raise awareness of children and families experiencing homelessness in the community.
Awareness itself can make a difference.
“Spreading awareness is something everyone can do—young or old,” said Chandler. “It doesn’t cost you anything and really makes a difference.”
A Promise of Christmas
The community will also have an opportunity to directly support Family Promise at its annual “A Promise of Christmas” fundraiser on Saturday, November 21, from 6-9:30 p.m. at The Farm at Oak Hill.
The evening will include dinner catered by Honky Tonk Smokehouse, a beer-and-wine bar, live music, a tacky Christmas sweater contest, and both silent and live auctions.
But the evening is about much more than Christmas fun.
Proceeds support Family Promise’s work to prevent family homelessness and provide emergency shelter, case management and long-term stabilization services to help families remain safely housed.
Family Promise is currently seeking event sponsors and auction items. Those interested in supporting the event can contact Stephanie Chandler at stephanie@familypromisedc.org.
Tickets for A Promise of Christmas are available at https://www.familypromisedc.org/event-details/a-promise-of-christmas-2026.
To learn more about Family Promise of Davie County, make a donation, volunteer, or find out how you can help spread the word, visit the organization’s website or follow Family Promise of Davie County on Facebook.