Family Promise

Family Promise of Greater Orlando (formerly IHN) exists to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence. Unlike most agencies, Family Promise uses a comprehensive approach that keeps families together as counselors help them seek permanent housing, employment, day care, health care and other services necessary to achieve independence and return to mainstream life. Follow-up counseling is also provided.

“Host weeks” are an integral part of the program. Support congregations provide overnight accommodations and meals–at their churches–for three or four families with children for one week at a time on a rotating schedule. University Carillon is one of FP’s host congregations.

Many people are required to fully staff the host week at the church, so inquiries and volunteers are welcome. (For training please click on this link to watch the Family Promise Volunteer Training Video )

The Big Picture of Family Promise:

• There are over 200 Family Promise affiliates in 41 states (ten in the state of Florida)
• More than 180,000 volunteers are mobilized from coast to coast in a commitment to building communities and strengthening lives.
• This is the ONLY program that allows single fathers to be housed with their children
• Since its founding more than 20 years ago, affiliates have serviced over 500,000 people (most of whom are children)
• FP’s proven approach has helped nearly 82% percent of client secure housing.

“Host Weeks”

For upcoming “host weeks” and sign up information > Events Page

Job Descriptions

Set Up – Sunday, 12:00 pm, 2nd floor of the Education Building.  Six volunteers are needed to unload luggage and beds from trailer, set up and make the beds in each room.

Evening Host–  Two volunteers are needed (children are welcome to come with you) from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm to help set out the dinner, fix the drinks, get ice and put away leftovers.  They also interact with the families as much as possible. Some suggestions are: help children with homework, color, read and play games with the children. This is a perfect opportunity for high school students to earn Bright Future Volunteer Hours. However, an adult volunteer does need to be present at all times.

Saturday Host – Two-hour shifts run throughout the day. Two volunteers are needed for each shift to interact with the families and read, color or play with the children. This is a perfect opportunity for high school students to earn Bright Future Volunteer Hours. However, an adult volunteer does need to be present at all times.

Overnight Host – Two people are needed each night from 8:30 pm to 7:30 am. The overnight hosts are provided with a private room. Their responsibilities include making sure families are in their rooms by 9:00 pm and assisting with breakfast by setting out the coffee, juice, breakfast and lunch items.

Food for Meals – Volunteers prepare an evening meal for the IHN families. They should bring the meal to the kitchen by 5:30 pm. Please put food items in comments section of sign-up so we do not duplicate menus. Usually the meal is for 12-15 people, with at least half of them being children. Volunteers are notified of the number of guests and any special food requirements a few days ahead of time. Meals should include at least an entrée, vegetable side dish and dessert and should be brought in disposable containers. Please leave detailed reheating instructions if needed. Questions regarding meals can be emailed to Pat Cox at patclarkcox@gmail.com.

Take Down – Sunday, 7:00 a.m.  Four volunteers needed to move beds and luggage back into the trailer and clear the rooms of all items.

Laundry – Volunteers serve by taking home a bag of laundry (sheets, towels and blankets).  The bags are labeled with the volunteer’s name and will be labeled IHN. The laundry is to be washed, folded and returned to the lobby within the following two weeks.  (Please use 1 cup of bleach in each load.)

If you have any questions, please contact familypromise@ucumc.net