In partnership with Family Promise of Greater Phoenix (Family Promise), Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church in Glendale recently volunteered to provide shelter and meals for local families experiencing homelessness.

With the support of community members in the congregation, Dove of the Desert set up temporary shelters at its facility to host families overnight and prepared dinner for the families every night of the week. While staying at the congregation, families participated in activities like games, crafts, movie nights, and more.

“At Dove of the Desert UMC, we feel blessed to be on a valuable mission with Family Promise, opening our doors and hearts to those in need,” says Sharon Eshelman, host coordinator at Dove of the Desert. “Through hosting rotations and shared meals, we witness the power of compassion and service, strengthening both our congregation and our community.”

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix relies on its interfaith network of volunteer religious congregations to shelter and feed the families it serves. At the same time, the nonprofit organization assists these families on their journey back to self-sufficiency.

The community-based model of sheltering families at these congregations reduces overhead costs so Family Promise can magnify its impact. Through the Family Promise program, parents are provided with resources designed to help families find sustainable jobs and permanent housing while the children attend school.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing, homelessness has been a growing issue in Maricopa County - increasing 23% in the past three years. Experiencing homelessness can have a significant impact on families, particularly on children.

Congregation Beth Israel, along with other religious congregations in Maricopa County, is working with Family Promise to help families transition into permanent housing.

At the beginning of the year, Family Promise of Greater Phoenix set a goal to aid 165 families in 2024 by utilizing their program for independent housing and self-sufficiency. The organization has also assisted families in avoiding placements in shelter systems through its preventative programming.

For information on volunteering with or donating to Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, visit FamilyPromiseAZ.org.

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix delivers innovative solutions for family homelessness including prevention, shelter, and stabilization services. It has set up a village in Glendale.