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Informational session with Claas Ehlers
Claas Ehlers from the national Family Promise organization will be in Maryville on January 29th. He will be instructing us on how to develop a board, raise funds, and recruit host congregations. The schedule will be posted soon. The meeting will be held at Fairview United Methodist Church (2508 Old Niles Ferry Rd) and begins at 7:30am. Breakfast will be provided free of charge and there will be a $5 suggested donation for lunch.
We will also be touring the Blount Co. Children's Home in the afternoon. The Blount Co. Children's Home has graciously agreed to host our Daycenter for the network.
Fast Facts
Poverty and Family Homelessness- Over 12 percent of the U. S. population lives in poverty—one in six children.
- Families with children are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in the US—40%.
- Thirty-six million people, including 14 million children, experience hunger.
- About 41 million people do not have health insurance.
- A minimum-wage worker would have to work more than 67 hours a week just to keep a family of four above the poverty line of $18,104 per year for the average family of four.
Family Promise
- One hundred twenty five Affiliates in 38 states and the District of Columbia.
- Sixty new Networks are currently forming in four additional states.
- More than 4,500 congregations are involved in Family Promise programs.
- More than 110,000 volunteers are involved in Network programs.
- In a typical Network, half of the guests are children, most under six years old.
- One hundred service and housing programs have been developed as an outgrowth of the Interfaith Hospitality Networks.
- In 2006, 80 percent of guest families found permanent or transitional housing.
- More than 130,000 guests have been assisted by Family Promise programs.
Next Meeting - Dec 10
The next community meeting for Family Promise of Blount County will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Sandy Springs Rd. at 7pm on Monday, December 10th.