309 East Broadway Avenue   Maryville, TN 37804

Phone: (865) 982-6192    FAX: (865) 982-6142   e-mail: office@broadwayumc.net

 

 
 

 

It's criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor what a blessing!

                                                                                                                                    Proverbs 14:21 The Message

 

Interfaith Hospitality Network

 

A mother loses her job, a father is kept from working by an injury, a family is forced from their home by fire or natural disaster. Healthcare costs soar, public transportation is underfunded, affordable housing is almost impossible to find. These are the reasons why families now make up 40 percent of the homeless population, and why one out of every four homeless people is a child.

 

In response to this crisis, the Interfaith Hospitality Network brings the faith community together to help families regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity. IHN is a partnership of congregations within a community helping families who are facing homelessness. It offers an opportunity for volunteers of all faiths to reduce homelessness and transform lives.

 

Interfaith Hospitality Networks are currently operating in 39 states and the District of Columbia, in large cities, suburbs, and rural counties. They mobilize community resources: houses of worship for lodging, congregations for volunteers, social service agencies for assessment and referrals, and existing facilities for day programs. This strategy enables networks to help homeless families achieve lasting independence at a third of the cost of traditional shelters.

 

Nationally, 80 percent of the families that IHNs serve go on to long-term housing. In 2007, Family Promise affiliates served more than 31,000 children and adults and involved more than 120,000 volunteers in 5,000 congregations. And now, Broadway is pleased to be part of IHN, via, Family Promise of Blount County.

   

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Family Promise website

VISIT BLOUNT COUNTY FAMILY PROMISE ON

 

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 BACKGROUND CHECK FORM

   

Family Promise Update

 

Currently there are 10 people in four families that are in the Family Promise program. One of them is about to graduate and will move into an apartment with her elementary age daughter. She will begin attending Strayer University this month to improve her opportunities for a good job.

 

Our next date to assist St. Andrews Episcopal Church in hosting the families will be July 11-18. The Square One Circle will prepare food for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. We will also provide evening and overnight hosts on those three evenings. Evening hosts will interact with the families and do activities with the children (reading, games, videos, etc.). Overnight hosts will also have time to interact with the families and will be provided sleeping quarters. We need additional volunteers. Please call Frank Mason at 681-6307 if you can help.

 

New volunteers will need to get a background check and also go through a two hour training course. This applies to anyone who has contact with the guests (even for food preparers who join them for the evening meal). Frank Mason will lead two training courses this month, One will be Tuesday, June 29, at 2:00 pm and the second will be Wednesday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m., following the Fellowship Dinner. Both courses will be held in the church library. Background check forms can be filled out at those times. If you can’t attend one of these courses Frank can meet with you at another time. For more information please give him a call.

 

Family promise is now having a transition in leadership. Marcia Sliker, a member at Sycamore Tree UMC is serving as the interim Director. Pat Boyles, a member at Highland Presbyterian is the interim Social Worker. The Family Promise Board of Directors led by Susan Hughes is working on filling the positions.

 

Your prayers and support for this important ministry are appreciated.

 

Rev. Frank Mason

Broadway Coordinator

Chili's is on board with Blount County Family Promise and will donate a portion of your dining ticket when you visit them on the last Wednesday of each month!!!

Get your coupon here.

SHARE THEM WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

 

 

   

 

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