At Family Promise, our goal is to teach our guests to be self sufficient, and regain their independence, but most importantly our organization keeps the family intact - which is the
core of its success.

Homeless families often have no place to go where they can stay together, since most
homeless shelters do not accept men or teen boys. Community agencies assess homeless
families needs and refer them to the network. Applicants are screened and must
demonstrate a willingness to actively improve their situation. Ninety percent of guests come
through referrals from the Lafayette Parish public school district's homeless education
program; two-thirds of guests have been children. Unlike other homeless shelters in the area,
Family Promise accepts teen boys and single dads as part of a family unit. More than
half of families served by our program fit this description and would have been unable to stay in any other shelter.

With an 85 percent success rate, Family Promise of Acadiana provides more than just a
place for homeless families to sleep. Once applicants are admitted into the program,
volunteers at the congregations provide them with meals, support and living accommodations.
Host churches provide the facility where guests can spend the night and have an evening
meal. Hosting rotates weekly among the congregations in the network. Each congregation
provides services for three to four families for one week each.

A Day Center is provided for guests to use from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. where the program director
provides case management services. The center provides guests a base for housing
and employment searches, as well as access to showers and laundry facilities. Many guests
are employed during the day; children attend school or daycare.

Volunteers are the heart of this organization. They perform various services: setting up the
guest rooms, providing the evening meal, breakfast and a bagged lunch, visiting with
guests, and playing with children or helping with homework. They also help out with fundraisers, which are a major funding source for the organization. Volunteers also provide support
in helping guests sustain their independence.

Transportation is provided to those families without their own. A network van transports guests between the day center and the hosting church. If guests are employed and need a ride
to work, transportation is provided. Currently, Family Promise of Acadiana is centered in Lafayette, with most of the host and support churches in the Lafayette area. With the rising number
of congregations in the network, Family Promise hopes to eventually establish networks in other parishes in Acadiana.