I wish you could see something. Beyond our talking. In the recruiting of Host congregations, partners, volunteers, and donors, we talk about the local statistics and families in a homeless crisis. We talk about hope and a path forward.
And we’ve worked on the Communications team to form messages that explain to you, our extended family, what we do, with phrases like we walk with families.
I am filling in as Interim Director, and lately I’ve been privileged to see that truth lived out in daily life.
We truly do walk with our new friends. In the gritty and rough parts, in the tears and disappointments and re-starts.
And then, sometimes we get to walk WITH people right into their new lives. This is what I wish you could see.
Last night, we hosted a Graduation party for a young family. Many of you showed up – with housewarming gifts like hangers and trash cans, encouraging words, with bed sheets and food to stock the pantry, toys and decorations. You are amazing. The gifts would not all fit in one car.
And it was BEAUTIFUL. These parties are incredible reminders of why we do this work.
Afterwards, I drove with the family to their new home.
And THAT was BEAUTIFUL. Hauling in gifts, kids running around in delight, oohs and aahs over the space. Everything you would want it to be.
I have been trying to imagine how I would feel in that situation, to leave the place where I had been sleeping on a cot for weeks, and to finally say these words: “Let’s go home.”
And I cannot. I can’t really put myself in that spot. But I understand it is a powerful word, at the end of a brave and important path these families are choosing to walk: Home.
By Katy Penner, Interim Director/Board PR Chair
Family Promise of Greater Wichita unites hearts and hands to provide compassionate hospitality and empower homeless families with children to achieve sustainable independence. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
