“Our mission is to transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness because we believe every child deserves a home,” said Rachelle Garza-Cadena, executive director of the nonprofit.
The specifics
Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels offers four different shelter programs for families, Garza-Cadena said.
- The Eviction Prevention Program helps families that are on the verge of eviction and struggling to pay their bills.
- The Temporary Shelter Program provides shelter to families who are currently homeless for a duration of 90-120 days.
- The Shelter Diversion Program helps families who are experiencing homelessness and living in another resident's home. The program provides financial assistance to families to help them find housing of their own.
- The Stabilization Program provides clients who have gone through the other programs receive a case manager who helps ensure the family does not return to homelessness by providing things like budget management, follow-ups and check-ins.
“The industry national standard percentage is at 72%, and we are at 100% of stabilization,” she said.
The shelter has occupancy space for 10 people and offers a variety of living spaces and amenities for families and children.
Learn more
Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels is funded by foundations, local agencies, private donors, churches and United Way contributions.
The nonprofit is also looking to expand its funding sources to include state and federal funds, Cadena said.
There are currently 23 churches that partner with Family Promise in New Braunfels. The churches assist the organization in many ways, such as providing the clients with food, gifts, and housing them overnight.
Cadena said her goal is to make sure every child has a home and that they work closely with the community.
“The more that we work together, the more people we can serve, and that is the heartbeat of this organization,” she said. “I think that what we have here in New Braunfels is something that is very unique in that the partnerships are strong.”
Looking ahead
The New Braunfels Jaycees organization is collaborating with Family Promise to provide a renovation of the shelter’s yard and playground area as part of their city beautification projects. The renovation is anticipated to begin in July and end in August; local youth groups will also contribute by prepping the yard before renovation starts.
The nonprofit is also partnering with Cast for Kids, a foundation that provides activities for children with special needs. The organization will be partnering with Family Promise to host an event for children this fall.
Additionally, Family Promise will be hosting its annual dinner on August 22 with the theme "A Better Tomorrow,” according to Cadena.
Cadena said the help from the partnering organizations and the community is instrumental in helping Family Promise meet its goals.
“Each of us are helping to fight homelessness here in New Braunfels, there's no competition, it’s about service," she said.
