What Is a Host Congregation?
A host congregation opens its space to families for overnight accommodations and brings volunteers together to provide meals and hospitality. Hosting gives families a safe place to rest, share a meal, and spend time together after a day of work, school, and appointments.
Family Promise provides case management and support, while congregations help meet families’ everyday needs during their hosting week.
How Hosting Works
Congregations typically host for one week at a time, three to four times per year, according to a coordinated schedule.
Families arrive at the congregation in the evening for meals, family time, and an overnight stay. During the day, Family Promise coordinates transportation to the Day Center, where families can access services and continue working toward their employment and housing goals. Children attend school, and parents attend work and appointments as applicable.
A congregation coordinator organizes volunteers, meals, and preparations for the hosting week.
Support Along the Way
Family Promise works with your congregation to prepare for hosting and provides:
- Volunteer orientation: Guidance on volunteer roles, welcoming families, and respecting their privacy.
- Transportation: Coordinated transportation between the congregation and the Day Center.
- Case management: Support with employment, finances, housing plans, and other family goals.
- Hosting coordination: Help with scheduling, preparations, and questions throughout your congregation’s involvement.
Interested in learning more? Contact Georgi to begin a conversation about hosting.
