Host
Host congregations are typically large, resource rich communities with ample room for accommodating overnight guests. These ministries provide shelter and meal service facilities for our guests. Some also have onsite showers and laundry services although they are not necessary to qualify as a host site. Each congregation chooses the 4-6 weeks of "hospitality" they will provide during a scheduling period which occurs in October of the preceding service year. The weekly service periods are typically spread throughout the calendar year. During each week of hospitality, guest families are hosted by their church family from 6:00 PM to 7:00 AM each day.
Responsibilities include:
Responsibilities include:
- assisting with set up and tear down of program "guest rooms" at the beginning and ending of the host week (beds and bedding are supplied by Family Promise)
- providing volunteers to act as overnight hosts each night of the guest's accommodations
- providing and preparing an evening meal and assisting with breakfast and lunch preparations if needed
- and most importantly, being supportive and receptive to our guests' needs and feelings
Support
Support congregations are typically smaller congregations lacking the space and resources to act as host. They help host congregations by providing overnight hosts and nightly meals as needed. Otherwise, the basic responsibilities are consistent with host congregations. Each support congregation chooses the 4-6 weeks of "hospitality" they will provide during a scheduling period which occurs in October of the preceding service year. The weekly service periods are typically spread throughout the calendar year. During each week of hospitality, guest families are hosted by their church family from 6:00 PM to 7:00 AM each day. See the host description above for a summary of responsibilities.
Orientation
Sunday afternoon, before a congregation starts their week of hospitality, all participating volunteers receive special training from a Family Promise staff member. This training is provided before the guest families arrive on site. The volunteers learn more about situational poverty and best practices for providing a clean, safe environment - free of judgment or prying questions. Volunteers are also given an orientation of the host facility and procedures to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone. Open hearts and open minds are the most important things a volunteer can bring to this service.
