The inaugural Night Without a Bed event will take place throughout the county June 26, and participants are encouraged to post photos on social media with the tag #NightWithoutABed, and by tagging Family Promise and asking sponsors to support efforts.
Family Promise, a nonprofit formed in 2001, serves four homeless families at a time to help them prepare for obtaining jobs and securing a stable, self-sustainable living environment, according to the release. Case managers work with families to develop parenting, stress management and budgeting skills, and families are provided with meals, hygiene items, clothing, child care, transportation and shelter through various partnerships.
In 2020, the group provided 581 nights of safe shelter, 1,914 meals and other support services such as workforce development and skilled certifications, according to the release.
“All of the Family Promise families secured employment while in the program and were rehoused to permanent shelter for long-term stability," Executive Director Marilyn Kasmiersky said in the news release. “We provide workforce development and find scholarships for continuing education. Educational advancement assists families in having a job that will provide a sustainable income for their families for long-term stability. We are proud of our success rate of helping families to provide for their families and not become homeless again."
Participants in the Night Without a Bed challenge are asked to visit the nonprofit's website for information at www.familypromiseofmc.org/donate and to challenge friends to take part in the challenge and do the same. The organization also accepts donations by texting FAMPROMMC to 26989. Participating individuals who raise the most for the cause receive a special gift of appreciation, according to the release.
In addition, Family Promise is holding a benefit concert for homeless children with "American Idol" finalist Phil Stacey on July 16 at 6:30 p.m. Christ Church United Methodist will host the benefit concert at 6363 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands.
Additional information about the nonprofit is available at www.facebook.com/fpmct or by calling 936-441-8778.
