1. A Community Response to Homeless Families Interfaith Hospitality Network of Bradley County

2. About Us Interfaith Hospitality Network: Started in 1986. Currently has 159 Networks in 40 states and 52 in progress 5 Locations in TN: Chattanooga – Johnson City – Kingsport – Knoxville - Memphis Bradley County Stats: 53 homeless children in city schools 60% of all homeless are children 46% of homeless children are under 5 544 home foreclosed in 2008

3. What is Homelessness? It’s being without a safe warm place to eat, sleep, and care for children, living without the security of familiar people and belongings. These parents endure the heartache of being unable to provide a secure environment for their children which make up 25 percent of our nation’s homeless population.

4. Responds to the growing need to provide shelter, meals, and comprehensive support services to families without homes. Family Promise was founded on the belief that Americans are compassionate people who want to make a difference. Our promise has been to link those in need with those who want to help. Twenty years and 110,000 volunteers later, our pledge is ever broader and deeper. The network program unites local congregations with existing community resources to provide comprehensive services to these families which often invigorates congregations and inspires volunteers. Family Promise of Bradley County

5. What is asked of us as Christians? “Is not this the kind of fast I have chosen: To loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke. To set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you and the Glory of The Lord will be your rear guard.”

6. Success Rate Homeless Families are welcome to stay in the program for as long as 3 months; the average stay in the program is 48 days. The National success rate averages 80% of the families involved in the Family Promise program find housing and independence.

7. What can you do? Present this program to your church; commit it to prayer; you can partner with us as a Host Congregation or as individual volunteers. Pray for us as we seek God’s direction with this exciting outreach.

8. Family Promise of Bradley County contacts: Mrs. Susan Birdwell susiebirdwell@bellsouth.net 423-716-3565 cell Ms. Diana Whittle diana7990@yahoo.com 423-650-6706 cell Visit our website at: www.familypromisebradley.org