09/09/2026
Hey Family Promise family,
I want to speak to you plainly for a moment, heart-to-heart. Our team has been working tirelessly to keep local families housed and off the streets, but the reality is that we cannot do this alone. We need our whole community in this with us. We are seeing SOOO many struggling, working families experiencing housing insecurity, food insecurity, healthcare issues and more. When we got into the office Tuesday it was dozens of calls and walk-ins with story after heartbreaking story- families being bounced around from place to place in search of support. We are doing all we can,* but we need some help!!
Over the past six months, we’ve made incredible progress together:
* Four new case managers are coming on board in October! Thanks to the incredible support of The Children’s Trust, the Alachua County Board of Commissioners, and the CoC Task Force, we will soon have four dedicated case managers embedded right in our community at local Family Resource Centers. This means we can respond rapidly where the need is greatest.
* Renovations on The Promise Center are officially moving forward. We’ve secured contractors to begin work on the center, which will allow us to safely shelter up to 8-10 families at a time. It will feature classrooms and spaces where community partners can come directly to assist families in real time.
* Our Church Rotational Shelter is returning! Several local churches have answered the call and committed to opening their doors. This signature program will host 4 families at a time for one week at a local church while our team works with them to secure permanent housing.
This progress is so encouraging, but it puts us right at a critical turning point. As our staff and programming expand, our ability to step up for families in real-time depends entirely on community support.
If you are looking for ways to stand with us right now, here is where we need your help:
Financial Support: You can donate directly online, or join us at our annual Power of Promise Luncheon. You’ll get a great meal provided by Piesanos, hear powerful stories from families we serve, and have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items or donate.
A Reliable Truck or Passenger Van: We are in urgent need of a vehicle to help transport families, move furniture into new homes, and transport rollaway beds between churches once the rotational shelter launches.
Essential Items: We are always accepting diapers, wipes, and non-perishable food items at our office (229 SW 5th Street) Monday through Thursday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
General Volunteers: We are building a network of volunteers to help stock our food pantry, assist with family move-ins, clean up at The Promise Center, and help run the annual luncheon. Our next volunteer orientation is Saturday, September 19th at 9:00 AM at 229 SW 5th Street. Send me an email at [email protected] if you can make it!
Overnight Church Volunteers: Once the rotational shelter is up and running, we will need 40 to 50 dedicated volunteers willing to stay overnight at participating churches one night a week. This role requires a background check and a specific training session. If you are willing to step up for these families, please reach out to me directly at [email protected].
Thank you all for continuing to walk alongside us and for being the support system our neighbors need.
(Pic - our Executive Director Rachael Ryan who was once IN THIS program and now is a college grad and leading our fearless crew😍💕💕💕) Proof positive Family Promise Gainesville works!!!
