Phoenix, AZ. - November 10, 2005 - Burglars broke into the offices of Family Promise
- Greater Phoenix early Tuesday morning and stole all the organization's computers,
phones, fax machine and copy machine, along with program supplies for homeless families.
Family Promise is a non-profit organization that serves homeless families with children
throughout the Valley of the Sun.
"We are stunned and saddened that a homeless family shelter would be a target of
a burglery," said executive director, Carl Mangold. "As a result, we will continue
to operate but without the benefit of basic equipment needed to do our jobs."
Family Promise is dedicated to helping homeless families achieve sustainable independence.
Our mission is to provide emergency shelter and services to homeless children and
their families through the cooperative efforts of faith-based organizations and the
community. Sixty percent of the individuals served are children; the vast majority
are under the age of 5.
The heart of Family Promise includes our over 1,400 volunteers from 19 host congregations
and the community who provide meals, shelter, compassion, and assist in staffing
the day center. Volunteers provide homeless families with basic human needs - shelter,
safety and sustenance - with a spirit of warmth and hospitality. This translated
into nearly 30,000 meals and 10,000 overnight accommodations in 2004
Family Promise - Greater Phoenix is affiliated with a national organization, Family
Promise, and modeled after their Interfaith Hospitality Network program. First established
in 1990, there are 103 Interfaith Hospitality Networks operating in 34 states throughout
the United States. Nationally, 100,000 volunteers and 4,000 host congregations provide
assistance to homeless families with children through Family Promise affiliates.
The Greater Phoenix area program has been in existence for the past 5 years and
has helped many families as they strive to regain their independence. For more information
visit www.familypromiseaz.org.
