WHO WE ARE
Family Promise National
Family Promise is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with over 200 affiliates nationwide, including Family Promise of Waukesha County. Family Promise National was founded in New Jersey in 1986 by Karen Olson. Karen stopped one day to give a sandwich to a woman named Millie, who was experiencing homelessness. Karen took the time to speak to Millie and really listen to her story. After this interaction, Karen made a commitment to serve the homeless who felt diminished and ostracized by society.
Family Promise of Waukesha County
Family Promise of Waukesha County opened our doors in 2014, providing shelter by collaborating with 28 congregations. From 2014 to 2020 we served 101 families. Our programs evolved starting in 2020 to serve low-income families as well as those experiencing homelessness. We have served over 500 families, with 400 of those households assisted since 2020.
We are here to help those experiencing homelessness to regain and retain their independence. With extensive case management, we guide families through their difficult times and provide the support needed for them to get back on their feet. We believe in continued case management to make sure our guests have the resources and tools needed to retain their independence after graduating our program.
Our Prevention Program helps families avoid homelessness. Based on data from the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, it costs $11-15k to rehouse a family in the United States while it costs only $1,100 to keep a family in their current housing. Preventing homelessness also helps families avoid the trauma, stress, and long-term impact that comes from being uprooted from the family's home.
2012 Community Meeting with a reported 150 people come together to plan how to serve families experiencing homelessness. Two years of planning ensues to secure host and support congregations, a day center and funds to support the agency.
2017 Family Promise of Western Waukesha County changes its name to Family Promise of Waukesha County, a reflection of the needs throughout the county.
2019 December. Family Promise of Waukesha County serves its 100th family.
2020 July. Family Promise closes on a building with the intention it will become a new day center in downtown Waukesha. The goal was to be able to better serve families by providing access to public transportation and additional resources.
2021 July. The golf outing in its current iteration is held.
2024 January. A lease is signed on our fifth apartment unit.
2025 January. Family Promise of Waukesha County secures a sixth apartment in Oconomowoc.
2014 November. Family Promise of Western Waukesha County opened its doors to serve 2 families experiencing homelessness. 3 total families were served in 2014.
2019 Family Promise of Waukesha County named the small non-profit of the year by the Waukesha County Business Alliance.
2020 March. the world comes to a standstill due to a pandemic. Our first step in responding is to begin the Family Homelessness Prevention Program.
2020 November. Family Promise signs a lease to rent an apartment that would be used for emergency shelter. Partner congregations provide meals to the families.
2023 April to October. A pilot of a static community shelter is held at the facility utilized for the Emergency Overflow Shelter. This doubles the numbers of families to whom we provide shelter but the cost is overwhelming.
2024 March. Family Promise of Waukesha County receives a grant of $1million over five years to implement and pilot a Shelter Diversion Program.
